The first Highway 1 Marching Band Classic is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 11, at Lisbon School.
“I originally got the idea from an event that Desmond Cervantez ran at Solon back in 2020 which we were part of,” said Lisbon band director Joseph Arch. “It was a small event, but it was a ton of fun. I really wanted something like that, but without the pressure of being a competition. I thought this would be a great way to bring some really outstanding music programs together.”
The classic will feature the marching bands from Mount Vernon, Anamosa, Solon and Lisbon playing. The evening begins at 7 p.m., with the combined bands performing the National Anthem. The performances then showcase Mount Vernon, Anamosa, Solon and lastly Lisbon playing their marching band shows for the season.
“I wanted to pull from the schools that are close or right on Highway 1,” Arch said. “The kids all know each other a little bit, and this is a nice way to be one big band family.”
Arch said there have been a number of logistical challenges he has had to work through when planning and hosting an event of this type, but he said that is something you experience whenever you are planning an event this size.
There will be no rain date for the marching band classic. Admission is $6 per person and concessions will be available.
“I am looking forward to showing off what these not-4A schools can do on a marching band field,” Arch said. “In this area, we hear a lot about the giant marching bands from the surrounding communities. But we have really hardworking kids on Highway 1, and they need to be seen as that—hardworking, talented kids.”

Gallery • 2 Photos

Trent Bowman

Members of the Lisbon Marching Band build to the climax of their show at halftme Friday, Sept. 30.