By: Ainsley Hall
MARTINSBURG — The Martinsburg High School band is getting ready for its 45th annual Band Spectacular and third annual Runnin’ with the Dogs 5K race coming this Saturday.
The day will start at 9 a.m., with the 5K race, where people in the community can come out and show their support by participating. Later that evening, local school bands will perform at 5 p.m. during the Band Spectacular.
Martinsburg High School Band Director Casie Rogers Adams is excited to continue this tradition to help support the band as it moves into another year. The band added a Kids Pup Run, where children ages 10 and under can join the race.
Adams talked about why this event is so important for the community to come out and support the bands.
“First, it’s important for the kids,” Adams said. “They love nothing more than for the community to come out and support them. Being able to look out on the crowd and see their parents, teachers, friends and so many more come see the bands is so spectacular. Second, it’s also special for anyone who knows the history of the band and how big this event used to be. We’re trying to bring that back to how it was.”
During the Band Spectacular, bands from all over the area, including some from Virginia and Maryland, will come to share their performance with the community.
This year, there will be over 13 high school bands who will participate in the event. Shepherd University’s Ram Band will also perform.
Martinsburg High School has over 130 band students, making it one of the top five largest bands in the state. This year marks a special year for Adams and her students, as she has been the seniors’ band instructor since sixth grade. To honor this special experience, the band theme this year is “Shine,” which will highlight many different songs the Class of 2025 has played throughout its time under Adams.
She is excited and proud to see how her students have grown over the years and looks forward to a busy, yet fun, day for the band.
“The kids will be working hard throughout the day as they help run and organize the race with parents and volunteers,” Adams said. “Then, they’ll be busy being hosts as they welcome the other bands to the event and help the judges. It will be all hands on deck.”
Adams encourages people of all ages to come out and experience the amazing musical talent in the area.
For more information about the Martinsburg High School band and its upcoming events, visit https://www.mhsbulldogband.com.