Large field marches in 35th annual Lynchburg Classic

The skies cleared as the stands filled at Lynchburg’s 35th annual Lynchburg Classic marching band competition on Saturday.

The event, held at Lynchburg City Stadium, was the largest in the event’s recent history, with 18 high school bands lining up to compete against their peers, some from as far away as Hot Springs and Staunton.

Four bands also performed special exhibitions, but did not compete.

Larry Seipp, director of E.C. Glass’s marching band, said organizers have worked hard to keep the reputation of the city’s program strong.

“It’s maintained a good reputation among band directors, and we always try to have … a well-run show,” Seipp said.

For spectators, it wasn’t all about watching one team and disregarding the others.

Dan Beidler, of Augusta County, said he felt a connection to the musicians on other teams, even though he has two daughters on the Wilson High School team.

“Being a band parent, I’m like a parent to all the kids,” he said.

His fourth year traveling with his daughters, Michaela and Danielle, he said, brought him to Lynchburg for the first time Saturday.

“The quality of the bands I’m seeing here, I’m impressed,” he said, adding “I’m worried.”

Greg and Diane Exner, who have two sons at Lynchburg Christian Academy also attended the classic for the first time Saturday.

“It’s definitely a different experience,” said Diane Exner. “We’re used to rec league sports and stuff like that.”

She said their sons gave up football and baseball respectively, in order to play in the marching band.

“I think they like this better than other organized sports,” Greg Exner said.

Of their routine, which the school performed near the end of the Class A performances, he said, “I thought it was the best one they’ve done.”

E.C. Glass and rival Heritage High School, as hosts of the competition, did not take part, though their respective bands took the field to give the audience an exhibition.

Seipp said despite some friendly rivalry, part of what has made the program so successful is the cooperation between the two schools.

“I think it speaks to the cooperation of the Glass and Heritage band boosters,” he said, adding “What makes our show probably different from any other is that this is a team thing.”

Mike Hand, director of Heritage’s band, agreed with Seipp.

“It gets better and better every year,” he said.

“How many things in the community can say 35 continuous years?”

Ironically, when Seipp and Hand played for marching bands in high school, Seipp played for Heritage, while Hand played for Glass.

Hand said, though the switch is ironic, the competitive spirit is very good-natured.

“The thing we enjoy very much,” he said, “is two great band programs in the city of Lynchburg.”

Awards for overall best band in each class:
Class A
• 1st place: Fluvanna County High School
• 2nd place: Liberty Christian Academy
• 3rd place: Buffalo Gap High School

Class AA
• 1st: Broadway High School
• 2nd: Cave Spring High School
• 3rd: Staunton River High School

Class AAA
• 1st: Albemarle County High School
• 2nd: Bath County High School
• 3rd: Brookville High School

Class AAAA
• 1st: Salem High School (only entrant)

Overall winner
• Salem High School