By Carla Love
Congratulations to the Chattooga High School Marching Indian Band for earning Superior ratings and 3rd in Class AA at the Sound of Silver Marching Invitational held In Blackshear, Georgia on October 3. Drum Major Penelope Milam also earned Superior ratings and 2nd in Class AA as well as the distinct honor of earning 2nd Overall in the Silver Division. Finally, the Color Guard earned Superior ratings and 2nd in Class AA, and the Drum Line earned Excellent ratings and 3rd in class AA.
Upon arrival at Pierce County High School, it was clear that heavy rains had moved through the area, from standing water and murky equipment parking lots. Despite these signs, the skies were clear and sunny as band students unloaded for a brief rest break before suiting up and heading to equipment warm up.
As this photographer made her way into the stands to set up for the Indians’ second competition, under another band’s borrowed tent, just incase, the sprinkles began. Usually, this is nothing of concern, especially in South Georgia. Then, the downpour began with a 30-minute rain delay announced. Then, the deluge of rain began, often blowing sideways. A band that had previously set up prior to the rain had their prop crew and Pierce County field crew quickly load up instruments and leave for shelter.
Finding out that the Marching Indians were safe and dry inside the high school, this photographer made her way across a soaked artificial turf field that had began to lift from the heavy rains. And if you have never seen this happen it is a remarkable sight. Spectators along with this reporter, made our way to an auxiliary gym where the rest of the Sound of Silver Marching Invitational would be held.
The 2026-27 Marching Indians have the distinction of being the second band to perform inside due to inclement weather and bring home superior and excellent ratings across the board. A rained-out competition in Alcoa, Tennessee forced the event indoors in October 2017 during the Grease competition. These are the setbacks that show what bands are made of and then turn into memories long after the show has ended.
After the Indian band left the auxiliary gym in triumph, they were surprised with an evening dinner at Cracker Barrel in Waycross before heading to their hotel and a good night’s sleep.
On Sunday morning after breakfast, the band travelled to Okefenokee Swamp Park which capped off an amazing trip, that was a first weekend away from home for many of the students, getting to ride a boat through the swamp and see captive alligators. A stop for dinner at Golden Corral in Macon for the kids to fill up and rest on the way back home brought an eventful weekend to a close.
As of this printing, due to Hurricane Isaias, West End High School in Walnut Grove, Alabama chose to postpone the 4th annual Beaver Pond Marching Invitational that was scheduled for October 11. The Marching Indian Band is currently waiting to hear a new date for this competition.
