The performance schedule for the 2008 Tournament of Champions has been posted! Check it out under the TOC button to the left. We only have three spots available, so those interested need to submit a Registration Form as soon as possible. Keep in mind that all of the performance times were chosen strictly by postmark of entry form. Those that entered on the same day were randomly selected through a blind draw. It's going to be a fabulous show!

The first ever traveling North Carolina "Roll of Honour" will be presented to Tuscola High School tonight at their home football game. The trophy will be presented during half time by Western Carolina University's Director of Athletic Bands Mr. Bob Buckner, Assistant Directors Mr. Matt Henley and Mr. Jon Henson, and President of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina, Mrs. Kathy Lance. On behalf of "Tournament of Champions" congratulations to the 2007 Tuscola High School "Marching Mountaineers".

We would like to extend our congratulations to the class and overall winners of the 2007 Tournament of Champions! In addition, we would like to add a thank you to our competiing bands for their cooperation in helping the event to run smoothly. We look forward to seeing all our competing bands back at Western Carolina soon.

Neil Larrivee and the "Pride of the Mountains" drumline and front ensemble will be giving a FREE marching percussion clinic this Friday (Oct. 12) in the Coulter Recital Hall from 7:00pm til 8:30pm. The clinic will focus on how to structure and build high school marching percussion programs. This will be a blast for attendees of all ages and backgrounds, but will be especially beneficial to music education majors, band directors, and percussion instructors. The clinic will feature many door prizes by our sponsoring companies: Yamaha, Zildjian, Vic Firth, Remo, Tapspace, and Row-Loff. THANK YOU to these folks and all that they do to further percussion education. Neil Larrivee is currently the Pit Director and Arranger for The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps. He has been with the Cadets since 1993. Neil served as Co-Marching Band Director, Percussion Director & Arranger at King Philip Regional High School of Wrentham, MA from 1985 - 2002. He is a judge for WGI, NESBA & USSBA. Additionally Neil is the Director of Education and New Product Development for Vic Firth Inc.

Anyone who would like to purchase either a trophy or program ad can do so by contacting the "Pride of the Mountains" office at 828-227-2259. Trophy prices begin at $110 and are available on several levels up to $260. Ad prices range from $50 to $500. Band students are encouraged have any home town sponsors contact the band office directly.