School bands across the state are working hard to get ready for the state marching evaluation on Oct. 12, and The Pride of Ole Brook Band is no exception.

In preparation for that competition, Southwest Mississippi schools will be attending the Copiah Marching Festival on Saturday at Copiah Academy, where judges will evaluate their performance.

“Brookhaven will be competing in the large band division,” Brookhaven High School Band Director Andrew Bonner said. “All of the different units of the band get an evaluation from judges and feedback in preparation for next week.”

Bonner said it will be a big event with the family of various bands attending. Concessions will be available, and tickets are $5. Children under 12 can attend for free.

“We’re ready,” Bonner said. “The kids are doing amazing. Our show was custom written for us.”

The show — Moments in our Life by Jason Palmer — depicts the various high points of a persons life, from the first day of school to first love to having children. According to Bonner, the music is completely original.

A panel of judges — some are retired band directors, and others are college professors, according to Bonner — will grade the bands based on their performance. It takes hard work to perform well, and Bonner said he is confident that the Pride of Ole Brook Band has put in hard work.

“From 80 to 100 is superior, 60 to 79 is excellent and you go down from there,” he said. “This is not a participation contest.”

Copiah Academy is located at 1144 East Gallman Road in Hazlehurst. Brookhaven High School will be performing at 7:15 p.m. Because the event will be crowded, Bonner suggests that those who want to watch BHS perform should arrive by 6:45 p.m.