Update on the Ballad Health East Tennessee Regional Championship

You are undoubtedly aware of the recent storms that have caused severe damage to the Tri-City region of Bristol, VA; Kingsport and Johnson City, TN. Bands of America is in constant communication with both East Tennessee State University (ETSU), as well as local officials in Johnson City, as we navigate this difficult situation left in the wake of Hurricane Helene last week.

At this time, ETSU, Johnson City, and Bands of America all intend to hold the Ballad Heath East Tennessee Regional Championship, presented by Yamaha, as planned on October 19, to help the local communities get back to a sense normal as quickly as possible.

We would like to share with you a message from Visit Johnson City:

“While Hurricane Helene had a varying impact across Northeast Tennessee, our mountain communities have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. The tourism and hospitality industry, a cornerstone of our region’s economy, will undoubtedly require time to recover in the cities and towns affected, while others (such as Johnson City) remain open. However, by supporting our local businesses and communities, we can play a crucial role in rebuilding those areas affected. Together, we can prioritize what truly matters: helping our neighbors and fostering a strong sense of community.”

For the most up-to-date information on Tennessee roads, visit TDOT’s SmartWay website. This will be the best resource for visitors travelling to/from Johnson City, Tennessee at this time.
Interstate 40 and Interstate 26 are closed in both directions at the Tennessee/North Carolina border.

I-40 is closed in both directions from mile marker 440 in Tennessee (Cocke County) until mile marker 3 in North Carolina.
I-26 is closed in both directions from mile marker 39 in Erwin, Tennessee (Unicoi County) to the North Carolina line.

BOA officials are in communication with the enrolled bands to see how we can support their programs and to assess if their ability to travel to the event is impacted. Music for All will communicate to the band directors after the event takes place on October 19 with details for their supporters who purchased advanced tickets.

Be safe. Please join us in wishing the best to the affected schools and communities during the recovery process.

Ten years ago, Ethan Trace was a high school tuba player in Kennesaw, Georgia. While in high school, he participated in Bands of America Super Regionals and the BOA Honor Band in the Tournament of Roses Parade®.

Before leaving for California, Ethan connected with local Cobb County band kids also performing with the BOA Honor Band in the Tournament of Roses Parade®. One of these performers was Meredith, a color guard captain at the rival high school. The two instantly connected, swapping band stories about traveling across the country, indoor seasons, and everything that comes with being a band kid. Once in California, their bond deepened as they attended rehearsals, leadership sessions, and special outings.

In the months following the BOA Honor Band in the Tournament of Roses Parade®, Ethan and Meredith would hang out every weekend at winter guard shows. Eventually, Meredith went to college out of state, but that didn’t stop their friendship. The two started a new tradition of going to see movies like the Greatest Showman during the holiday breaks.

Now, Ethan and Meredith live in different states and are removed from the band world, but still remain close. Even though Ethan’s band days are behind him, he credits band with shaping him into the person he is today. He would not be as patient, as humble, or as good of a leader if not for his experiences at BOA.

To current and future band kids, Ethan had this to say: “To any current band/orchestra members, enjoy every moment while you can. At least 50% of my core memories came from marching band. Nothing feels quite as exhilarating as spending all that time preparing for a competition and creating that final product.”