The Southeastern Virginia Music Games (SEVMG) takes center stage each fall at Hickory High School in Chesapeake, standing as one of the region’s premier marching band competitions. Drawing ensembles from across Virginia and North Carolina, the event brings together hundreds of student musicians for a day devoted to precision, showmanship, and musical excellence.

This year’s SEVMG will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Hickory High School Stadium, with the first band scheduled to perform at 2:45 p.m. A complete list of performance times is available in the official Competition Suite Schedule.

Unlike a casual halftime show, SEVMG is a juried contest in which bands present full field productions before a panel of experienced educators who provide both scores and detailed feedback. Staged early in the marching season, the event serves as an important benchmark for programs refining their shows in advance of the primary competition period.

The Games are also a longstanding community tradition. Families, alumni, and supporters fill the stadium, while the Band Parents Association and volunteers coordinate concessions, logistics, and hospitality. For Hickory, SEVMG serves as both a showcase of regional talent and a vital fundraiser that helps sustain the band program.

Ultimately, SEVMG provides a distinguished stage for students to demonstrate their preparation and artistry, for bands to assess their progress, and for the community to celebrate the dedication behind every performance.