17th Annual Blue & White Invitational

October 9th, 1999 marked the final Blue and White Invitational of the 1990's.  This emotional event, once again, took place as a night time competition at the old Spartan Stadium in downtown Portsmouth.

The 17th Annual Blue & White was one of the largest in the 17 years that it has been perpetuated.  A total of 17 bands competed, and 3 performed in exhibition (West Carrollton High School, Portsmouth East High School, and Marshall University).

As has been an almost recurring event, the rain never let up throughout the event, and caused the field to become a huge mud pit.  Due to this, the final band to compete chose to perform in exhibition on the running track so as not to injure any of its members.  Portsmouth East and Marshall University only performed the musical aspects of their shows, as well, from the running track in front of the field.

1999 also began the tradition of the Jeff Brant Grand Champion Tartan Cup, awarded to the grand champion of the event.  Jeff Brant (Funeral Home) has been sponsoring the grand champion trophy throughout the history of this event, and it is only fitting to be given this honor.

Band Winners

Overall Placement

Grand Champion : Sycamore High School
1st Runner-Up Grand Champion : McNicholas High School
2nd Runner-Up Grand Champion : Wahama High School (WVa)

These placement awards can not show the amount of talent at the competition. Every band that competed in the 1999 Blue and White is extremely deserving of praise!  They made this five hours in the rain very enjoyable and worthwhile. Congratulations!

Bands Competed

Ironton High School, Chesapeake High School, Portsmouth West High School, Portsmouth High School, Wheelersburg High School, Minford High School, London High School, Rock Hill High School, Green High School, Peebles High School, Symmes Valley High School, Blanchester High School, Wahama High School (WVa), Russell High School (KY), Nitro High School (WVa), McNicholas High School, Sycamore High School

Exhibition Bands

West Carrollton High School, Portsmouth East High School, Marshall University Marching Thunder

Extreme thanks go out to the Marshall University Marching Thunder for performing at the close of the competition.  There isn't another band that would be better for representing this area than the Thunder!  Thank you very much!