The 57^th Annual Washington High School (Gene Hunt) Marching Band Festival took place on Saturday, October 4. The festival featured a field competition at WHS. There was no parade.

As the hosts, the Pride of Washington Marching Blue Jays gave an exhibition performance. They were not eligible for awards.

There were 17 bands on hand for the event.

The Pride of Washington Marching Blue Jays, under the direction of Dr. Gretchen Pohlman, is comprised of 108 students in grades 9-12. The ensemble began rehearsals in July with their regional and state competitive season running from September through the end of October.

This year, the band will end their 2025 competitive season at the Missouri State Marching Association State Championships in Columbia on October 25. After their competitive season, The Pride of Washington will still perform throughout the Washington community at the annual WHS Veterans Day Assembly and the City of Washington’s annual Christmas Parade.

Photos of the Pride of Washington Marching Blue Jays’ performance at the Band Festival are below.