SVMI Press Release:
Harrisonburg High School and Rocktown High School
ROCK CITY REGIMENT to Host the 15th Annual Shenandoah Valley Marching Invitational
CONTACT:
Daniel Upton (Harrisonburg High School Band Director)
Claire Leeper (Rocktown High School Band Director)
[email protected] / [email protected]
HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA — High school marching bands from across Virginia will converge at Harrisonburg High School on Saturday, October 11, 2025, for the 15th Annual Shenandoah Valley Marching Invitational (SVMI), one of the state’s largest and premier marching band competitions.
Hosted by the Rock City Regiment — the combined band of Harrisonburg High School and Rocktown High School — the Invitational showcases bands presenting dynamic performances that blend music, precision marching, color guard artistry, dance, and theatrical design.
The competition will begin with Preliminary Performances at 9:15AM, where ensembles are evaluated by expert adjudicators in Music, Visual, General Effect, Percussion, and Color Guard. Awards will follow for Groups 1 through 6, determined by band size.
The Rock City Regiment will take the field in exhibition at 5:30 PM, leading into the Preliminary Awards Ceremony at 5:45 PM.
This year, SVMI is thrilled to feature a special exhibition performance by the Marching Virginians from Virginia Tech at 6:00 PM PM. Their return marks a milestone — the ensemble last performed at SVMI in 2015, exactly 10 years ago.
Evening excitement continues under the lights at 7:15 PM with the Finals Competition, featuring the class winners from each group along with high-scoring wildcard ensembles. These top bands will perform for the chance to claim overall honors, judged again in Music, Visual, General Effect, Percussion, and Color Guard.
Tickets: $12.00 for adults, $8.00 for seniors and students, and free for children 5 and under. Concessions, vendors, and ample free parking will be available on-site.
Location: Harrisonburg High School, 1001 Garbers Church Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (GPS: 38.443143, -78.908034).
For more information, contact Daniel Upton or Claire Leeper at the email addresses above.
