5th Annual Chris Lovejoy Marching Invitational provides invaluable opportunity for area high school bands

The Whitesboro High School (WHS) marching band will host its 5th annual Chris Lovejoy Marching Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 26. The event attracts area high school marching bands to Bearcat Stadium where they can receive invaluable feedback from top judges in the state before heading into the UIL contest season.

The event is open to the first 15 bands who register. As of press time, participants for this year’s event include (2A) Collinsville, Honey Grove and Whitewright; (3A) Callisburg, Gunter, Howe, Palmer, Pottsboro, Quitman, S&S and Valley View; and (4A) Bonham and Farmersville high schools.

The judging format follows UIL guidelines, however, there will not be any timing penalties. A clock will run to simulate UIL timing rules to help participants prepare for contest season. There will be a five-minute setup, eight-minute performance and two-minute exit time for each competing band. An awards ceremony will follow both preliminary and finals performances. Preliminary awards will include Best Music/Guard/Visual in each class. Final awards will include Grand Champion, Runner-Up and Best Overall Music/Guard/Visual.

As hosts of the event, the WHS marching band will not compete but will instead perform an exhibition of their show, “The Author,” for the audience. The event is open to the public with a $5 admission fee (kids aged 10 and under are free). Concessions will be available for purchase throughout the day. Additionally, a “Shout-Out“ table will be available for people to show love and support to their student or band as they take the field. A merchandise table selling band-related souvenirs like buttons, stickers, keychains and lanyards will also be onsite.   

Now in its fifth year, the marching invitational was named in honor of Chris Lovejoy, former member of the Whitesboro band and renowned band director in the area who passed away in 2018. Members of the Lovejoy family are typically in attendance to watch some of the event and to present an award to the winning band. While the band is honored to have the family members there, the honor is really that of the Lovejoy family.

“To remember Chris in this way is so kind and fitting,” Lovejoy’s sister Sharon Autry has said of the event. “He loved music and truly cared for the kids behind the instruments, and had a heart for the directors who lead them.”