By MICHAEL BOYLAN
Sports Editor

Lasting throughout a football game takes endurance. First, there is the weight of the uniform and equipment to contend with, and second is dealing with the amount of effort it takes to go full speed through drills and then the game. Yes, the high school marching bands put a lot of time and energy into their programs and this weekend, they will take center stage.

Sandy Creek High School will host the eighth annual Sandy Creek Invitational Tournament of Bands, affectionately known as SCITOB, on Saturday, Oct. 9. 19 bands from as far away as Cleveland, Tenn., including all four local high school bands, will perform this weekend. The selection of music is as eclectic as possible, featuring selections from hit movies (The Prince of Egypt), hit musicals (Tommy), and the hit parade (The Doors and Earth, Wind, and Fire).

The festivities begin at 12:00 p.m. with the Flat Rock Middle School Band performing the National Anthem, followed by Festival Class, bands which receive just ratings. Class A begins the competitive portion of the program which ends with Open Class. Classes are determined by the number of winds in the band.

Starr's Mill will perform selections from the rock opera Tommy, with it's own version of a pinball machine while Sandy Creek takes the audience back to the disco era with five selections from Earth, Wind, and Fire. The Spirit of McIntosh band blasts the audience back to the swing era with 40's style hairdos and dances, and Fayette County High School takes the crowd to the exotic land of Egypt. The Mississippi State Marching Band will close the show with music from The Doors.

Judges from around the Southeast will rate the band's performances and select Best of Class and best of each section.

SCITOB is the Patriots Band's largest moneymaker. Students began selling ads for the program during the summer while parents and students man concession stands, direct buses, run registration, act as guides, and host a type of rest area for judges and bus drivers. Admission is $5 for the event and the public is welcome to attend and participate in this exciting demonstration of Fayette County's finest.

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