Cross country runners from across mid-Michigan aren't the only competitors headed south Saturday to compete in a state championship meet.

The Michigan Competing Band Association's championships are Saturday, and the Mt. Pleasant Oiler Marching Band will be at Ford Field competing for the championship.

The 72-member band goes into the competition ranked seventh in Flight III. The show is called "Socially Numb," and it's based on the music of Pink Floyd's "The Wall."




Even though rock 'n' roll and traditional marches both are in 4/4 time, that's where the similarity ends. Rock 'n' roll shows are always tempting for marching bands, but they're very difficult to pull off.

Mt. Pleasant's band has learned how to pull them off. Last year's "Elemental Led" show, featuring Led Zeppelin music, ended up sixth at Ford Field. This year's band, with a mix of veterans and rookies, has impressed the judges at times with the visual presentation, sometimes with the music.

Now, it's up to the Oilers to put both elements together. Band members say this week's practices have been tight, focused, and they're ready. Many of the band members have been to Ford Field before, and the veterans know what they're up against.

The goal is simple: One shot at the best performance of the year. Show time is 5:20 p.m. in downtown Dee-troit.

(Full disclosure: Mark is a band parent.)