Lakewood Ranger Marching Band Hosts Invitational Band Festival, Leads Spirit Parade

Seven Northeast Ohio high school marching bands will descend on First Federal Stadium this Saturday, September 21st. 

The Lakewood Ranger Marching Band will host the 27th Annual Lakewood High School Marching Band Invitational Festival beginning at 7pm at "the Fed". The Lakewood High School Marching Band Invitational Festival is organized to feature the talent and performances of great high school marching bands, bringing nearly 600 talented high school musicians, their parents and families, and marching band enthusiasts of all ages to Lakewood for an evening of pageantry and musical entertainment. 

Six visiting marching bands will perform at this year’s festival, including: Brush, Columbia, Fairview, Lutheran West, Garfield Heights, and Eastlake North, plus the 2013 Lakewood Ranger Marching Band. Mr. Nathan Harris, in his first year as the Lakewood Ranger Marching Band Director at Lakewood High School, is excited to carry on the tradition of hosting the festival. “It is a wonderful experience to bring so many students to Lakewood, all of whom share the same love of music as our own students, and put on this great show for our parents and friends, the Lakewood community, and the students involved.”

The Lakewood Ranger Marching Band has put in many hours of preparation, working diligently since the beginning of Band Camp II on August 5th for their performance on the 21st. “The students have really worked to prepare an awesome show for the festival,” said Mr. Harris. “We will perform our complete ‘80s show – only parts of which have been seen at football games – which includes songs by Journey, Toni Basil, and Michael Jackson."

The evening will begin at 7 p.m. with the traditional “pass and review” introduction of each band as it enters the stadium. Individual field shows of each band will follow, culminating with the performance of the 2013 Lakewood Ranger Marching Band. In addition to showcasing the students’ talents, the Band Festival also serves as the primary fundraiser for the Lakewood Ranger Marching Band’s seasonal expenses. Tickets will be available at 6pm at Lakewood Stadium the night of the festival at the following prices: Adults $7, Senior Citizens $5, Students $3, age 5 and under are free. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase an event program that features all seven performing bands. Concessions will be available as well.

In a very generous gesture of support, Sharon Marrell, owner of Marrell Music at 13733 Madison Avenue, is sponsoring a Band Festival After-Party for members of the Lakewood Ranger Marching Band featuring free food & drink, games, door prizes, and music provided by Columbus DJ Kenny Lectro. Ms. Marrell has developed relationships with many members of the band as they have frequented her store for supplies, instrument repairs, and lessons over their formative years as young musicians, and is thrilled to sponsor this event for the 115 members of the band.

2013 Homecoming Spirit Parade. Six days later on September 27th, the Lakewood Ranger Marching Band will help kick off the 2013 Lakewood Homecoming festivities as they lead the pre-game Spirit Parade prior to the Lakewood Rangers vs. Bay Rockets varsity football game at 7pm. The Homecoming Spirit Parade begins at 5:45pm at Lakewood Park, heads south on Belle Avenue for one block, turns east on Clifton Boulevard, then south on Bunts to First Federal Lakewood Stadium. The band is looking forward to performing on the field that evening with Lakewood Ranger Marching Band Alumni. Band Alumni can contact Sean DeRenzo at 216-570-3019 for reunion and performance details.

To learn more about upcoming Lakewood Ranger Marching Band events and performances or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Nathan Harris, Lakewood Ranger Marching Band Director, at 216-227-5980.