Morgantown and University High Bands Unite for Mohawk Bowl Halftime Show

MORGANTOWN – The 2025 Mohawk Bowl, featuring a football matchup between Morgantown and University High School, will include a unique halftime performance by both schools’ marching bands. The game is scheduled for October 27, 2025, at 19:00 on Baker’s Ridge. During halftime, over 250 musicians from both bands will come together to deliver an exciting show that highlights the collaborative spirit of the community.

Celebrating Community Through Music

The halftime show represents a rare opportunity for the rivals to unite, showcasing not just their musical talents but also their commitment to fostering a strong community spirit. “We’ve done this maybe four times since I’ve been band director here,” said Mark Palmer, University High School’s band director since 2000. “It’s a great opportunity for us to show the other side of the Mohawk rivalry and see how the two schools work together to create our wonderful community in Morgantown.”

Echoing this sentiment, Lorne Hyskell, Morgantown High School’s band director, emphasized the importance of music in sports. “These are two really great bands from our state coming together to showcase what we have here in Mon County,” he noted. “While we’ve got two great football teams out there on the field playing hard to win the game, we also have two really great bands that are going to join together and try to do the best we can to entertain the crowd a bit.”

Surprise Elements and Collaborative Practice

In preparation for the event, both bands held a collaborative practice at University High School on Wednesday, where they finalized their performance plans. The show will feature a medley of songs with a Halloween theme, culminating in a performance of “Thriller,” which will be accompanied by a surprise visual element for the audience. “We want to go out and do the best we can and sound the best we can while we are out there,” Hyskell stated.

This year’s Mohawk Bowl will not only highlight the athletic competition but also celebrate the artistic endeavors of student musicians. As attendees settle in for the game, they can look forward to an engaging halftime show that underscores the unity and creativity present within their community.