More than 30 schools performing Saturday during annual UNK Band Day Parade
KEARNEY – A tradition that has showcased generations of musicians returns to downtown Kearney this weekend.
The University of Nebraska at Kearney will host its 67th annual Band Day Parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, with 32 middle and high school bands joining the UNK Pride of the Plains Marching Band for the event.
The parade begins at 21st Street and Third Avenue, travels south to Railroad Street, then heads east to Central Avenue before turning north and ending at 24th Street and Central Avenue.
A long-standing staple of the fall marching season, UNK Band Day dates back to the 1950s. The event showcases outstanding band programs from across Nebraska and serves as preparation for the Harvest of Harmony Parade and Field Competition scheduled for Oct. 3 in Grand Island.
UNK Band Day is both a celebration of music and competition. The top three bands in each class will receive trophies for parade marching, with additional awards presented to the outstanding drum line and color guard and overall champion.
Following the awards ceremony, bands can participate in the 10th annual Bearcat Marching Festival at Kearney High School. The festival uses a “comments only” clinic format, allowing bands to receive feedback on their field performances ahead of formal competitions later this fall.
UNK Band Day Participants (listed in order of performance)
UNK Pride of the Plains Marching Band}
Horizon and Sunrise Middle Schools
Faith Christian
Cozad Middle School
Ogallala Middle School
Lexington Middle School
Arapahoe-Holbrook
Wilcox-Hildreth
Arcadia
Kenesaw
Axtell
Parkview Christian
Pleasanton
Loup City
Bertrand
Elm Creek
Wood River
Ord
Doniphan-Trumbull
Centura
Gibbon
Amherst
Ravenna"
Grand Island Central Catholic
Kearney Catholic
Broken Bow
Holdrege
Gering
North Platte
Columbus
Hastings
Grand Island
Kearney