Sunset Festival of Bands gears up for its third year of fundraising

The Sumner city council couldn't catch a musical break in September.

The cast of Seven Clever Pirates boarded the Sept. 5 meeting to serenade the council and promote their impending musical.

The latest musicians to command council attention were members of Sumner High School's drumline, present to sis-boom-bah support for October's Sunset Festival of Bands.

"You don't realize it, but your band performances are really important to Sumner's town spirit," Councilman Steve Allsop said.

The Sunset Festival will take place Oct. 29, marking the band fundraiser's third year.

The festival began in 2009 as drumline member Mason Longnecker's senior project. His goal was to establish a quality marching band field show on campus, and create an educational opportunity for individual band members. The show is open to bands statewide, and participants have face-to-face interaction with judges.

Mason's mother, Peggy Longnecker, has helped continue Sunset Festival as president of the Sumner Band Parents Association.

In addition to first through third placings, award categories include Best Music, Best Drum Major, Best Percussion and Best Color Guard.

Participating guest bands this year come from Auburn Mountainview High School, Bainbridge High School, Bonney Lake High School, Enumclaw High School, Highland High School, and Sultan High School.

The Seattle Seahawks' Blue Thunder drumline will also perform.

Contact Bonney Lake-Sumner Courier-Herald Reporter Daniel Nash at dnash@courierherald.com or 360-825-2555 ext. 5060.

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