Annual Marchfest

33rd Annual Marchfest: Marchfest is Waukesha South’s annual marching band competition, and their largest fundraiser of the year. Marchfest features 16 marching bands and color guards from around the state playing under the lights in South’s Ken Hollub Stadium! This will be the 33rd year for Marchfest, making it the oldest-running AND second-largest band competition, after State. Each competing band does a “show” of 3-4 songs usually centering around some kind of theme. The performance is choreographed to movements and formations across the field. Some bands even include elaborate sets and costumes. This is one event where sitting in the “nosebleed seats” actually gives you the best view of the performance and choreography.

When you hear “Friday Night Lights”, what comes to mind? The players, the families, the students, the cheerleaders, the dance team, and…. the marching band!

Marchfest is Waukesha South’s annual marching band competition, and their largest fundraiser of the year. Marchfest features 16 marching bands and color guards from around the state playing under the lights in South’s Ken Hollub Stadium! This will be the 33rd year for Marchfest, making it the oldest-running AND second-largest band competition, after State. Each competing band does a “show” of  3-4 songs usually centering around some kind of theme. The performance is choreographed to movements and formations across the field. Some bands even include elaborate sets and costumes. This is one event where sitting in the “nosebleed seats” actually gives you the best view of the performance and choreography.

Last year the Waukesha South band was still healing from the parade tragedy, and their marching show was named “We Will Not Be Silenced” as a testament to resilience and the healing power of music. This year, they’re ready to have some fun with their show titled “Celebrate Good Times”, to honor music’s role as the soundtrack of our lives. Now with a year as a Blackshirt, Waukesha South Band Director Mr. DeBruin is excited to be working with the band from the very beginning stages of the show. The Marching Blackshirts are also excited to be able to perform in their new uniforms, which arrived last May.

Marchfest is uniquely special because it is held at night under the stadium lights. If you have never seen a marching band competition, you are in for an amazing experience. Be sure to mark your calendar Saturday, September 23 at Ken Hollub Stadium, for this exciting Friday Night Lights “encore” performance!  Gates open at 3:30, opening ceremonies begin at 4 and the awards ceremony takes place at 9. We’ll also have a 50/50 raffle with TWO drawings and concessions featuring Pizza Ranch.

As expected, a LOT of volunteers are needed to make this event happen – everything from concessions sales and servers to ticketing, parking directors and security. It’s a fun way for students to earn volunteer hours, too! For more Marchfest information, including volunteer signup and online ticket sales, please visit the website at goblackshirts.com/marchfest .

33rd Annual MARCHFEST 2023

Saturday, Sept. 23rd

Waukesha South High School – Ken Hollub Stadium

• Gates open 3:30 pm

• Opening Ceremonies 4 pm

• Performances throughout the evening

• Awards 9 pm

• Concessions featuring Pizza Ranch

• 50/50 raffle

Ticket Prices:

• Adults – $10

• Seniors, Students, Waukesha District Employees – $5

• Children 5 and under – free.

• Buy tickets at the gate (CASH ONLY) or skip the line and order online (Credit Card OK) at https://blackshirtbands.ludus.com/21651 .