The steady beat of drums and horns will ignite a day packed with electrifying music when a cavalcade of bands begins competing at 9 a.m. Oct. 1 in the Neil F. Lampson stadium at Kennewick High School.

The event is part of the annual Southeastern Washington Cavalcade of Bands marching band competition, which is now in its 30th year.

"Cavalcade of Bands is the premier competitive event for high school marching bands of the Pacific Northwest," said Maria Allan, one of the event's organizers.

The competitions start at 9 a.m. and continue throughout the day, culminating in an evening performance and an awards ceremony.

Kennewick and Pasco high schools' instrumental music booster clubs will play host to the event, which features about 2,500 music students from 22 high school band ensembles from Washington, Idaho and Oregon.

The top 12 bands will advance to finals starting at 6:15 p.m., followed by an awards ceremony at 9:30 p.m., Allan said.

"Come watch the region's finest marching bands compete including all local bands from Chiawana, Hanford, Kamiakin, Richland and Southridge high schools, along with 18 other Northwest bands," she added.

"Our host bands will give exhibition performances; Pasco schools at 4:30 p.m. and Kennewick schools at 9:30 p.m. Each group will compete for distinction in multiple categories including music, visual, percussion, visual and drum major awards."

Admission to the Cavalcade of Bands is $14 for adults, $9 for students and seniors. Children 5 and younger are free.

Advance tickets are discounted $5 and can be purchased from any high school band student taking part in the event, as well as Ted Brown Music and Adventures Underground in Richland, or at www.cavalcadeofbandswa.com.

For more information, go to www.cavalcadeofbandswa.com.

Cavalcade of Bands has earned a reputation as a day packed with visual and musical pageantry, and includes auxiliary guard members flag performance in colorful costumes.

Music performed includes everything from contemporary to classical music, all customized arrangements and drill formations created specifically for the 2011 season, Allan said.

"Our show is one of the longest-running shows in the northwest," Allan said. "We have some special things planned for participants as well as Kennewick High and Pasco High band alumni and boosters."

*Dori O'Neal: 582-1514; doneal@tricityherald.com