Fanfare puts attention on outstanding marching band performances

Outstanding performances graced the Stuart W. Cramer High School stadium on Saturday, November 4 with a particular focus on the crowd-pleasing show provided by marching bands rather than football teams.

The 2023 Gaston County Schools Marching Band Fanfare highlighted our high school marching bands from across the county.  Each band presented songs aligned with distinct themes, and the students’ musical performances were complemented by color guard and dance routines.

Participating in the annual musical extravaganza were the bands from Ashbrook, Bessemer City, Cherryville, Stuart W. Cramer, East Gaston, Forestview, North Gaston, and South Point, all presenting their halftime shows.  The event began with Highland’s band rendering a stirring rendition of the national anthem.

Stuart W. Cramer High School band director Kameron Radford coordinated the event with assistance from the dedicated Raging Storm Band Boosters. 

“This program offers each high school marching band the opportunity to showcase the halftime show they have been diligently perfecting since August,” according to Radford.  “Furthermore, the event serves as a valuable platform for band students from across Gaston County to interact, fostering the exchange of ideas and insights into the creative world of marching bands.”

The Marching Band Fanfare is a tradition in Gaston County Schools that dates back to the 1980s.  Though it was discontinued in 1991, the concept was rejuvenated in its present form in 2007.  Over the years, the fanfare has been held at various high schools, including East Gaston, South Point, North Gaston, Cherryville, Bessemer City, and Stuart W. Cramer.

The event was recorded by the Gaston County Schools Communications Department for broadcast on Spectrum Cable Channel 21, which is the television station for the school district.  The band performances will be edited into two programs that will begin airing in December.