The sound of drums, brass, and roaring applause filled Woodland High School on Saturday, September 27, as the Marching Wolverines hosted the 7th Annual Low Country Battle of the Bands. What could have been a washout due to the threat of a tropical storm turned into a day to remember, thanks to some quick thinking and teamwork.
The competition, presented by USBands, drew marching ensembles from across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Among the many standout groups was Valdosta, a powerhouse program with more than 250 members that wowed the crowd with their size and sound.
For those unfamiliar, USBands has been supporting student musicians since 1988. Over the past 35 years, it has grown into the largest competitive service of its kind, giving thousands of bands across the country the chance to perform, learn, and shine. Their philosophy is simple: keep the rules minimal, keep the process student-focused, and make sure every group has a chance to succeed.
At Woodland, the storm threat forced a last-minute change of plans. Instead of canceling, Director Quenton Atterberry, the Mighty Green Machine Band Boosters, and Principal Michael White led the charge to move the entire event indoors. From hallways to the gym, every space was transformed into a stage or warm-up area. The gymnasium, packed wall-to-wall with students and supporters, became the heart of the action.
The highlight of the day came when the South Carolina State University Marching 101 took the floor for an exhibition performance. True to their reputation, the Marching 101 delivered an electrifying show that had the crowd on its feet. The performance was especially meaningful for the Wolverine family, as two recent graduates of Woodland — Desmond Williams on saxophone and Christian Green on cymbals, were among the ranks of the college band. Both had walked across the graduation stage at Woodland just a few months earlier in the Class of 2025.
Despite the weather scare, the event went off with energy, pride, and plenty of school spirit. The Marching Wolverines, MGM Booster Club, Woodland High School, and Dorchester School District Four extend a heartfelt thank you to every band, student, and spectator who made the trip. The day was proof that when music, community, and determination come together, not even a storm can stop the show.