Friday nights might be for football, but last Saturday night was for the marching bands as the Rampage competition rolled out at College of the Canyons’ Cougar Stadium.

Thousands of students, musicians and parents descended upon the stadium for the 36th year in a row to watch and compete in William S. Hart High School Regiment’s 2019 Rampage marching band and field tournament.

Rampage is basically a marching band competition, but it’s also Hart’s biggest fundraiser of the year, according to Hart band director Anthony Bailey.

“One of the things that we’ve really tried to do is make it more than a competitive event,” said Bailey. “We’ve tried to make it something that the kids really enjoy coming to.”

Over the years, the event has added a larger variety of concessions, prizes that audience members can win and a raffle ticket fundraiser that includes baskets and items from local businesses and establishments.

Members of the Saugus High School marching band perform their routine at the 36th Annual Rampage band competition on November 2, 2019. | Photo: Bobby Block / The Signal.

“A lot of our fans that come here, come here because it is different in every way,” Bailey said. “Like the way we have our product sales, to the type of food that we sell … we just tried to make it an event for kids so they have a good time coming and are able to see great bands.”

According to officials, over 30 bands were in attendance at the event, with six Hart District high school bands competing in the tournament. The event, including the competition set that Hart High School performed later in the night, is something that the students and parents prepare for all year.

“We’re always trying to figure out what we’re going to do for the next year that’s going to set the kids up for success,” said Bailey.

Members of the Golden Valley High School Marching Band stand in formation while performing at the 36th annual Rampage band competition Saturday afternoon, November 2, 2019. | Photo: Bobby Block / The Signal.

“I’m just really excited for my kids this year,” Bailey added. “They tend to think really well competitively and their audience reaction to our show is just tremendous.”

Bailey said he was appreciative of the community for supporting the event every year.

“The only thing I can say is I really appreciate the support of our community, and especially College of the Canyons for being so generous to let us use their facilities and we really couldn’t do it without the community support,” said Bailey. “It really takes an army to put on this event and we’re just really appreciative of everybody.”

Carter Ewing plays marimba in the Hart High School Marching Band’s performance at the 36th Annual Rampage band competition held at College of the Canyon’s stadium Saturday, November 2, 2019. | Photo: Bobby Block / The Signal.

Members of Golden Valley High School’s color guard perform at the 36th annual Rampage band competition Saturday, November 2, 2019. | Photo: Bobby Block / The Signal.