You may know the Beaver Area High School Marching Band from their halftime performance at the football games, but when they’re not performing for Bobcats fans, they are performing in festivals.

The Beaver County Marching Band Festival was September 17 and 13 high schools from Beaver County participated. Musicians from Ellwood City, Western Beaver, Blackhawk, Beaver Falls, Riverside, Ambridge, Rochester, Central Valley, Beaver Area, Freedom, South Side, Hopewell, New Brighton, as well as Geneva College participated.

While the festival took place at Geneva College, it was technically hosted by New Brighton School District, and the New Brighton Marching Band opened the festival and performed the national anthem.

The bands weren’t the only form of entertainment, though. There was a Blackhawk student who was impersonating pop icon Michael Jackson, and he danced around the stands, cheered on by all, but particularly by sophomore Bella Costa.

“I love Michael so much!” Costa said through tears of laughter.

The marching bands all performed their halftime shows while musicians from the other schools cheered them on. Some shows were more extravagant than others such as Blackhawk’s sea themed show which utilized several props including two bubble machines.

“Blackhawk was the best, they had bubble machines,” said junior Amara Stewart.

The show was closed with the Geneva marching band’s halftime show which featured a trumpet solo and an impressive majorette solo.

As for the students themselves, many look forward to this event all year.

Junior Cailin Downer said, “It’s my favorite performance of the year. Everyone supports everyone, the energy in the stands is amazing with all the bands having a great time. It’s really cool to be able to see everyone’s show.”

Band Director Mr. JP Scanga was particularly proud of the marching band for their enthusiasm and participation.

"I am very proud of our band students for representing Beaver Area so well at our county marching band festival. They all take an incredible amount of pride in their work and are always striving to improve. It was great to see the other bands in our area—we’re proud of students just like ours from other schools who have devoted years of practice towards their craft."