Amid warm, humid weather, on October 7, 2017,  the Trojan Marching Band hosted the annual Showcase of Bands, a band competition that assembled high school marching bands from throughout the county.  As the host, Midlothian did not compete, but performed an exhibition at the end of the night.

Prince Edward High School kicked off the competition at 5 o’clock.  During each band’s 15 minute performance, spectators remained seated in the bleachers to enjoy the show. Volunteers manned the concession stand, collected tickets, and kept the competition running smoothly. Despite the hard work and long practices involved in marching band, freshman, Max Triano enjoys the experience because it leads to perfection and junior Angel Hudson agreed, saying, “Competing makes hard work worthwhile.”.

Into the evening, the marching bands showed the results of their hard work and talent. Midlothian Marching Band Director Mr. Gordon Rawls commented,  “Close to a thousand students came to show off their hard work; it’s very inspirational.”. Midlothian’s performance to end the event was a show-stopper, performing Arabian Nights opener, followed by Aladdin and Lawrence of Arabia. In the end,  Colonial Heights High School emerged as the first place winner.