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Ryle High School Tournament of Bands competition to draw ten marching bands from around state


Ten marching bands from across the state will be coming to Union on September 23 to compete in the annual Ryle High School Tournament of Bands (RTOB).

This Kentucky Music Educators Association sanctioned tournament has quickly become one of the most respected band competitions in the region.

According to Joe Craig, Ryle’s new Director of Bands: “At my previous school (Beechwood High School), I always looked forward to the RTOB, and attended this event every season. Simply put, it is one of the finest marching band competitions our state has to offer, and I always had a positive experience at the Ryle Tournament of Bands. Now I am excited to be on the other side making sure other directors continue to be as enthusiastic in the future about attending our event!”

Craig adds, “Participation in the marching arts teaches students numerous skills which readily translate to successful young men and women: teamwork, discipline, commitment, work ethic, and a pursuit of excellence, just to name a few. Marching band is an activity where students of all types can come together to share their love of music and perform for audiences throughout our state and our nation.”

The Ryle Band

Bands participating in the tournament represent nine Kentucky high schools: Nicholas County High School, Beechwood High School, Lloyd Memorial High School, Henry County High School, Grant County High School, Campbell County High School, Henry Clay High School, Bullitt East High School, and Madison Central High School; and Milford High School from Ohio.

Proceeds from RTOB will be used to support the school’s variety of band programs with instrument purchase and maintenance, instructors, and professional clinicians. In addition to marching band, Ryle offers jazz band and pep band as extra-curricular activities, while there are several concert band classes offered within the school curriculum.

The preliminary competition, featuring performances by all bands, begins at 1:15 p.m. The ten bands will then compete in finals, beginning at 7 p.m. The Ryle Marching Raiders will perform an exhibition performance of their 2017 show, “The Rising,” prior to the 10 p.m. awards ceremony.

The Ryle High School Band Boosters appreciates the generous support of the following sponsors for their support of music education. Encore Sponsors: Balluff and Kona Ice. Accent Sponsors: Flipdaddy’s, Papa John’s, and Smokin’ This N That BBQ.

All admission tickets are for general seating and will be sold at the gate for $10 (for those 12 and older), $5 (for those 55 and older), and are free for children 11 and younger. The tournament takes place at Borland Stadium at Ryle High School, 10379 U.S. 42, Union.

A full schedule and more information about the Ryle Tournament of Bands can be accessed at ryleband.com/rtob.


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