By Stephen Santilli for The Exponent Telegram
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Liberty High School hosted its 43rd Band Spectacular Saturday evening where six high school bands performed their field routines in front of hundreds of fans and family members.
The event was not judged because it has been known for years as a ‘friendly’ band performance.
With thunderstorms rolling through the area Saturday evening organizers were not sure they would have to delay or cancel the event. Even though there were rain showers starting about an hour before the Band Spectacular kicked off, they dissipated quickly and the sun soon reappeared to make sitting in the stands a bit muggy, but they still cheered loudly for each band performing none the less.
Mike Cale is the music director at Mountaineer Middle School and has been a part of the Liberty Band Spectacular for 21 years.
He was on hand, per usual, to help with logistics and make sure the band members were having fun.
“There is no judging, bands can come here and relax and not have the worries of performing in front of judges. It’s about as low stress as you can get for a high school marching band performance,” Cale said.
“To be able to host the band spectacular for so many years is really something. We’re here for so long because there are some high school marching bands that don’t compete and this is a place for them to show off what they know and have people actually come here to the event for them and only them,” Cale said.
