PEDRO — The Rock Hill High School marching band is preparing for a marching band competition that it will host on Saturday at the school.

“We’ve practiced two hours a day after school three days a week,” said Nick Basham, RHHS band director. “We’ve been battling the heat and staying hydrated (during practices).”

Marching bands from around Ohio and Kentucky will participate in the competition.

“We’re going to have 13 bands showing up,” said Basham. “We’ll have a full house.”

The competition is a way for marching band members to build endurance, said Basham.

“It gives them a goal to work for,” said Basham. “It’s a sense of pride.”

During the competition, bands will compete for awards and will have the chance to qualify for the state marching band competition.

Wes Hairston, RHHS superintendent, said that the recognition the school will receive by hosting the competition is beneficial for the school.

“We’re very, very proud of our band,” said Hairston.

The band competition will begin at 4 p.m. on Saturday at the school with an award ceremony beginning at 8 p.m.