Festival of Champions

Racer Band hosts first Festival of Champions in two years

Ava Chuppe Contributing Writer achuppe@murraystate.edu Murray High School won Grand Champion at the first Festival of Champions in two years on Sept. 25. Because of  COVID-19 cancellations, Racer Band has been unable to host the event since 2019.  Thirteen high school marching bands from Kentucky and Tennessee performed for judges from across the nation. Murray Read More

Racer Band is back in business

The renowned Racer Band is making the most of a challenging semester. With football season canceled and performances on pause, the band has had to find ways to safely perform while maintaining the charisma that Murray State loves. Brent Johnson, director of athletic bands and associate director of bands, said the Racer Band will have Read More

Murray State hosts high school bands

40th Annual  Festival of Champions bring Murray High, Calloway County Story by Alec Mullins, Contributing writer (WITH GALLERY) – Music owned the day on Saturday as Murray State hosted the 40th annual Festival of Champions at Roy Stewart Stadium.  The all-day event featured 13 bands from Kentucky and Tennessee competing not only for the top spot in their class Read More

2015 Festival of Champions

On Sept. 19 at Stewart Stadium, Murray State and the Racer Band staff hosted high schools from all across the state for the 2015 Festival of Champions.

Racer band practicing for Festival of Champions

Story by Alec Mullins, Contributing writer As the sun set on campus Tuesday, the air around Roy Stewart Stadium buzzed with energy and music. The only sound that could be heard above the noise was the voice of John Fannin, director of the Racer Band, as they put the final touches on their halftime shows for Read More

Festival of Champions ends, 40th anniversary plan begins

This year marked the 39th annual Festival of Champions, a regional high school band competition hosted by Murray State’s Racer Band and music department. Festival of Champions saw another successful year, with 15 high school marching bands traveling to Murray to compete against each other, once in a preliminary round and again in final competition. Read More

Racer Band prepares to host annual competition

For 39 years, Racer Band has played host to high school marching bands from the western Kentucky and northern Tennessee regions who are vying to win overall champion. Racer Band and the music department at Murray State will host Festival of Champions Saturday with performances beginning at 11 a.m. The event is a significant fundraiser Read More

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