WORLAND — Worland Black Thunder High School Marching Band will be hosting the Worland Marching Invitation next Thursday, Oct. 6, at Warrior Stadium.

The public is invited to the free performance that will showcase for area marching bands.

Black Thunder Director Willie Wright said, “This event is a tune up for all the bands before they go to Casper for the State Marching Festival (on Oct. 15). All the programs should be polished and ready to go. We should have some really good performances that evening. I would love it if we had the stands full to support these outstanding musicians.”

Seating for the public is in the upper deck of the bleachers. The bands will be seated in the lower deck.

Wright said admission to the event is free and there will be a barbecue and concessions available.

The Cody High School marching band will open the competition at 4 p.m., followed by Riverton at 4:30, Buffalo at 5 p.m. and Worland will close out the invitational at 5:30 p.m.

Wright said he has three adjudicators coming to judge the performances — John Fabela, Powell band director will judge music; Allen Tripp, a retired music director from Idaho will just marching and maneuvering; and Katie Dunham of Worland, who has been involved with the WHS band and the Wyoming All-State Marching Band will judge color guard.

As for the Worland Black Thunder program, Wright said, “We have a great show this year. The students are really enjoying it so far.” The program is “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and includes much of the music from the most recent Star Wars movie.

“It’s turning out to be a fantastic show. Our drum majors Dane Bennett and Kasia Strohmen are doing a great job, not only conducting, but portraying elements of the movie.”