The Scarlet Regiment marching band at Thomasville High School is preparing to defend its class championship, but first, it needs help from the local community.

To help raise money for the band’s trip to the National High School High-Stepping Championships in Atlanta, Ga., THS is holding a competition called the Chair City Classic this weekend. It will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday at Cushwa Stadium, and gates open at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $10 in advance and $12 on the day of the event. Admission for children 5 years old and under is free. Six bands will be competing, and the Scarlet Regiment will perform an exhibition show at the end.

“This will be an opportunity for the community to see other high-stepping bands from the state, and also to expand their horizons,” Hayes said. “Typically, people in our area are more used to corps-style bands, so this will give them chance to see a different type of band. It’s very high-energy, entertaining and exciting.”

Bands planning to attend include Northeast Guilford High School; Hoke County High School of Raeford; Halifax High School of South Boston, Va.; Warren County High School of Warrenton; Garinger High School of Charlotte; and West Mecklenberg High School of Charlotte.

More than 50 high schools from all over the country will compete in the championships at Atlanta’s Morris Brown College from Nov. 12-15. Percussion and dance competitions will take place on the first day. On the second day, each band will compete within its class in the preliminary round. The top bands in each class will return on the third day to compete for the overall championship.

“Last year, we did really well,” Hayes said. “We finished first in class AA, and in the final round last year, we ended up fifth overall out of 12. This year, we’re looking to go back to defend our class championship. Hopefully, we also can place higher in the overall final round, if not win it all.”

The band must raise a total of $17,000 for the trip, which will pay for food, lodging, transportation and visits to historic sites and popular landmarks in Atlanta.

“Some of our students haven’t had the opportunity to travel to a major city, so this will be a great experience for them ­­­— something that they’ll remember for a lifetime,” Hayes said.

He said that though the Scarlet Regiment is a little smaller than it was last year, it still has a very strong sound, and the experience gained from competing last year will help them improve their performance.

“Last year, they were sort of in new territory,” Hayes said. “This year, they know what to expect. They know what it takes to win, so everybody’s geared up and working hard toward that goal.”

Band members already held some car washes over the summer to raise money for the competition, and there is currently a fruit sale going on. Anyone interested in supporting the Thomasville High School band by ordering fruit can call Hayes at 474-4275.

Staff Writer Karissa Minn can be reached at 888-3576 or newsdesk@tvilletimes.com.