BATESVILLE, Ark. – The Southside Charter High School marching band, known as the Southerners, is set to make history today as the first from the Batesville charter school to compete at the Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association (ASBOA) State Marching Band Championship in Little Rock.
The event takes place at War Memorial Stadium, where high school bands from across the state vie for superior ratings in classes divided by enrollment size. Southside qualified through regional performances, joining other Arkansas ensembles in a showcase of music, marching, and visual effects judged on categories including ensemble performance, general effect, percussion, and visuals.
The ASBOA contest typically spans multiple days, with preliminary rounds leading to finals for top scorers. This year’s participation highlights the growth of Southside’s band program, which has an active presence in community events and recent trips, such as a weekend outing to St. Louis featuring visits to the zoo, City Museum, and Gateway Arch National Park.
School officials and the Southside Southerner Bands fan page encouraged community support, urging fans to follow updates on social media. “Go Southerners… all the way to state!” the announcement read, celebrating the milestone for the Navy blue and Vegas gold-clad group.
For more on the ASBOA event, visit asboa.org.
