RYLE HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND TO HOST ANNUAL TOURNAMENT OF BANDS
Keeping its culture of excellence in both performance and association, the Ryle Marching Band is thrilled to continue its tradition of hosting a first-rate tournament featuring some of the best music programs in Kentucky. On September 20, 2025, seven marching bands from across the Commonwealth will be coming to Borland Stadium at Ryle High School at 10379 U.S. 42 in Union, Kentucky to participate in the annual Ryle Tournament of Bands (RTOB). RTOB, a Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) sanctioned tournament, is one of the most respected band competitions in the region.
According to Joe Craig, Ryle’s Director of Bands, “The Larry A. Ryle High School Tournament of Bands continues to be one of the finest marching band events in our Commonwealth. This year’s event features seven of Kentucky’s finest bands, including the reigning KMEA Class 5A state champion, Lafayette High School. In addition to these seven competitors, we will close our event with an exhibition performance of the Ryle High School Marching Raiders!!! Our adjudication panel consists of six nationally renowned judges, many of whom judge Drum Corps International, Winter Guard International, and Bands of America events on an annual basis. Simply put, if you are a fan of marching band, you will want to be at Larry A. Ryle High School on Saturday, September 20th!!!””
In addition to seeing some of the Commonwealth’s finest bands, spectators can enjoy a complimentary fountain drink from the concessions stand with their ticket purchase and peruse twelve (12) outside vendors that will be onsite displaying various items for purchase. This event will truly have something for everyone! Admission is $15 for general seating; tickets will be available at the gate and are also currently available for presale at https://ryle-high-school-band-boosters.square.site/order-rtob-tickets-now Admission for seniors and children 10 and under is $10; children 3 and under are free.
The National Anthem will be played at 1:30 pm, with the first band of the day taking the field at 2:00 pm. Bands participating in the tournament represent seven Kentucky high schools: Beechwood, Dixie Heights, Highlands, Lafayette, Lewis County, Lloyd Memorial, and Valley.
While the preliminary competition begins at 2:00 pm, the finals competition will begin at 7:30 pm. Both series will feature all seven competing bands, though the finals order of performance will be dependent on placement in the preliminary competition. The Ryle Marching Raiders will perform their 2025 show, “Watercolors” in exhibition prior to the 9:30 pm awards ceremony.
Proceeds from RTOB will be used to support the school’s variety of top-notch band programs with instrument purchase and maintenance, instructors, and professional clinicians. In addition to marching band, Ryle offers winter guard, jazz band and pep band as extra-curricular activities, while there are several concert band classes offered within the school curriculum. Ryle’s concert bands typically earn top ratings in district assessments conducted by the Kentucky Music Educators Association each year.
The Ryle High School Band Boosters appreciates the generous support of the following sponsors for their support of music education: Legacy Sponsor: Heaven Sent Photography. Signature Sponsors: Bluegrass Hearing Clinic and Scripps Howard Fund. Encore Sponsors: Chick-Fil-A Mall Road and Hampton Inn. Crescendo Sponsors: Heritage Bank, Kona Ice, Poseidon’s Pizza Company, and Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck. Accent Sponsor: Wert Music. Overture Sponsor: Deters Fichner Williams Attorneys.
A full schedule and more information about the Ryle Tournament of Bands can be accessed at https://www.ryleband.com/rtobcompetitioninfo
