Media Contact
Jennifer Rigney, Public Information Officer
601.545.3002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2024

PETAL, Miss. – Petal High School (PHS) Band will host the Fourth Annual Gary Graves Memorial Invitational at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, at Panther Stadium on the PHS campus. The event will feature 24 competing high school marching bands, as well as three exciting exhibitions from Pearl River Community College, William Carey University, and the Petal Marching Band.

“We are so proud to host the invitational, which would not be possible without the incredible support of our band parents, administration and community members, whose dedication continues to inspire me,” said Petal Bands Director Josh Forsythe. “We are looking forward to a day of outstanding performances, camaraderie and celebration, and invite everyone to join us for this exciting event!”

The cost is $15 at the gate. All proceeds from the invitational support the Petal High School band program.

About Gary Graves
The late Gary Graves served the Petal School District for many years as a teacher and design staff member with the band. He was a positive role model for the students he mentored and was loved by all he taught. Having designed some of the most beautiful color displays for halftime shows, he was a prestigious and sought after judge for the Winter Guard International (WGI) organization. An expert judge specializing in indoor percussion, color guard and marching band throughout the South and Midwest regions, his name was synonymous with excellence, dedication, and a passion for helping others. In 2014, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame for both the Gulf Coast and Louisiana-Mississippi Color Guard and Percussion Circuits.

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