More than 20 top high school marching bands from four states will assemble for Western Carolina University’s 12th annual Tournament of Champions, an invitational competition hosted by WCU’s award-winning Pride of the Mountains Marching Band, at E.J. Whitmire Stadium Saturday, Oct. 20.

The high school musicians will be competing for various awards, including the Chancellor’s Award, a large glass traveling trophy that is presented to the grand champion band, and the North Carolina Roll of Honor, awarded to the highest scoring band from North Carolina.

“This annual event is truly a showcase of elite marching bands from across the Southeast,” said David Starnes, director of the Pride of the Mountains. “The tournament will feature a national panel of adjudicators who have been selected ...