CLARKSVILLE, TN – The Montgomery Central High School Marching Band welcomed 13 of the best marching bands from around the area to compete in their fourth annual Indian Nation Invitational, Oct. 4.
Hundreds of spectators and student performers descended onto the school’s football stadium as each band performed and celebrated music, competition and community spirit.
“Each student gets to share their talents with us, and that is special,” said Vanessa Cobb, director of bands for Montgomery Central High School. “We look forward to hosting this event every year and celebrating all the hard work these students put into their performances.”
Beginning at 3 p.m., each band, placed in Classes A through AAA (classes are based on the size of the band), took the field in competition and performed their various field shows for the spectators, other bands, and a panel of expert judges who evaluated each performance and provided feedback and scores used to determine winners in each category.
“Each band gets judged on various components of their performance to include music ensemble, music effect, visual ensemble, visual effect, percussion, and color guard,” said Cobb. “The bands are then awarded by best percussion, color guard, and band in their respective classes, and then we award an Invitational Grand Champion for each of the three categories for who is best in show.”
This year, high school bands that performed in Class A included Cheatham County Central, East Hickman, Houston County, Kenwood, and White House Heritage. Class AA included Harpeth, Kirkwood, Northwest, Rossview, and Shelbyville Central. The Class AAA High School competitors included Clarksville, Northeast, and West Creek.
“The goal of the Invitational is to be a very positive musical experience on the lives of the performers,” said Cobb. “Everyone worked hard to make this event successful and meaningful, and we are privileged to see all of the incredible hard work these students have done throughout the year.”
After each band took the field, the final performance of the day was an exhibition by the Montgomery Central Marching Band. Unable to complete because they hosted the event, they performed their 2025 field show, “Fragments of Red,” which featured the music of Bolero, Lady Gaga, Seal, and others.
“I’m so proud of my students and all they have accomplished this year,” said Cobb. “This was their final performance of the competitive season, and they did an incredible job.”
At the end of the day, when all performances were over, everyone celebrated their hard work and awards were announced. White House Heritage High School won first place in band for Class A, Shelbyville Central High School won first place for band in the Class AA division, and Clarksville High School won first place in band for Class AAA.
The Grand Champion for the Invitation was Clarksville High School, who won for best band, color guard, and percussion. They performed their 2025 field show, “Moriarty.”
“This year’s Indian Nation Marching Invitational was amazing and I’m so thankful and proud of all those who participated and helped make this competition a success,” said Cobb. “I look forward to next year!”