Harrison School Board approves marching band trips to Memphis and Dallas

The Harrison School Board of Education voted Tuesday to allow the Goblin marching band to travel to a Bands of America regional competition in Memphis on Oct. 23–24, 2026, and to permit the Golden Goblin band to make a separate trip to Dallas in spring 2027.

Administration recommended both trips and outlined fundraising plans to limit student out‑of‑pocket costs. Josh Bradford, the district’s marching band director, told the board the Memphis trip would send the full marching band — roughly 101 high‑school students plus up to 10 eighth‑grade student helpers — to the regional competition, and that the boosters have begun sponsorship outreach. “We’re going to be able to compete at the national level in a regional competition,” Bradford said.

The Dallas trip is framed as an educational and cultural visit, including attendance at a Dallas Symphony Orchestra performance and local visits. Administrators estimated the per‑student cost for the Dallas trip at roughly $800–$1,200 and said standard fundraising (discount‑card sales and booster sponsorships) will offset most expenses; students keep funds they raise toward their own account.

Board members praised the student opportunities the trips provide and voted to approve both travel requests after motions and seconds were taken. Administration said it will return to the board later with finalized cost and chaperone details once fundraising and logistics are confirmed.

The board’s approvals were procedural motions recorded in the meeting minutes; no formal roll‑call tallies were provided in the transcript for these items.