High Plains Marching Festival

With marching bands ranging from 20 to 200 the High Plains Marching Festival is a wonderful opportunity for area high school marching bands to showcase their season of hard work.  This year's festival promises to be another great event.  It will take place on the morning and afternoon of Monday, October 24, 2016 at Lewis Field Stadium on the beautiful FHSU campus.  Our ratings-based event is a particularly welcoming place for smaller and newer marching bands looking for a great festival experience.  We also enjoy hosting school groups of all ages who enjoy watching the performances from the stands.

To enter as participants or observers, please complete the application below and send entry fees by September 30, 2016.

2016 High Plains Marching Festival Application

The High Plains Marching Festival employs a six judge format. All bands will be adjudicated by: two music judges, one general effect judge, one marching judge, one percussion judge, and one auxiliary judge. All bands will receive a plaque noting their final overall rating. Outstanding percussion and auxiliary performances will earn an additional trophy. Bands wishing to perform for judges' comments only are always welcome. All bands participating on the field will be recognized in the awards ceremony at the end of the festival.

NOTE: All judges will be requested to provide both written and recorded comments for each band. Bands will be scheduled by size, but we will also do our best to honor special scheduling requests submitted in advance. General admission is $3 for all students with a student ID and $5 for adults. The concession stand at Lewis Field will be open during the festival.

Mail entry fees payable to FHSU Department of Music and Theatre to:

Dr. Lane Weaver
FHSU Department of Music & Theatre
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601

Questions?  Please contact Dr. J.J. Cooper or call (785-628-5353).