The Union Pines Marching Vikings will be hosting the 18th annual Viking Classic Marching Band competition on Saturday, Oct. 23 from 1 to 9:30 p.m. at Union Pines High School. >

Admission to the event is $5, and several concessions will offer a variety of food choices. >This is a major fundraiser that will enable the Marching Vikings to purchase much-needed new instruments, uniforms and equipment, and to cover transportation costs, another large expense. >

There will be 19 bands in competition from across the state, ranging from Class 1A to Class 4A.

"Come prepared to have a fun-filled day and be entertained by great music and shows," says band director Rob Hill.

The opening ceremonies will begin at 1:15 p.m., and the first band will perform at 1:30 p.m. Many bands will follow, with an awards ceremony for all classes at 8:30 p.m. > The Union Pines Marching Vikings will be performing in exhibition along with the Methodist University Marching Band prior to the awards ceremony. Trophies will be presented by the Union Pines Marching Viking seniors.

This year, the Marching Vikings present "La Nouba." The show name "La Nouba" originates from the French phrase "faire la nouba," which means to party, to live it up.

The Marching Vikings' assistant director is Jessica Traversino, the color guard instructor is Cori Dunn, and the percussion instructors are Tom Bernett and Wayne Osborne.

The 2010 student drum majors are Maggie Trout, Emily Christaldi and Nolan Lea, who are responsible for directing the band while performing on the field. Captains include Jacob Daniel (brass); Megan Shiflett (woodwinds); Whitley Smith and AJ Rackl (sideline percussion); Liz Huntley and Aaron Israel (field percussion); and Lindsey Burns and Michelle Frye (color guard).

"The Marching Vikings are off to a great start this year," says Hill.

They have received straight superior ratings and have taken the Grand Champion Trophy twice for highest overall score of the day in competition, regardless of class, at the Pinecrest Bandfest and at the Western Harnett Eagle Classic. They also took first place music at Southeast Guilford and will continue to compete this season at Fuquay-Varina, and Lee County.

Last year, the Marching Vikings placed in every competition entered for class 4A. They competed at Pinecrest, South View, Terry Sanford and Lee County. Their awards included superior ratings, and first places for marching, general effect, music, drum majors, color guard and percussion. The Marching Vikings also received first place in overall Class 4A competitions, to include the Grand Champion Trophy for highest overall score of the day, and the People's Choice Award voted on by the audience for favorite band of the day, where up to 22 bands throughout the state have competed.

"Thanks to all the local businesses and parents that contributed to making this year's Viking Classic a success," says Hill.

The Union Pines band students will begin their annual two-week fruit sale starting in November. The fruit will be delivered in early December.

Those interested in fresh Florida fruit and supporting the band may contact any Union Pines band member or Rob Hill at Union Pines High School. Visit the band's website at www.unionpinesband.org for more pertinent information about the band and their performance schedules.