The Marion Patriot Pride Marching Band earned an unprecedented fourth straight appearance in the Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association State Contest Monday night during regional competition in Paragould.
The Marion band performed at Paragould High School for a slate of three judges that adjudicated the band in all areas of performance, including music, visual, and general effect. Each band earned a rating from a First Division (superior rating) all the way down to a Fifth Division (poor rating). Marion received straight First Division ratings from all three judges.
The ASBOA State Band Contest will be held on Wednesday, November 1, at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. Marion will perform at 3:15 p.m.
Over the past weekend, the Marion band performed in a prelims/finals format competition at the Gibson County Marching Invitational held in Dyer, Tenn. Marion competed head-to-head with the former 5A Mississippi state marching champion, Lewisburg High School, and finished second in class. Marion also earned a position in the finals. This was the first time in more than 10 years that the Marion band has competed in this competition format and had a tremendous showing.
"Our students have rehearsed over 32 hours, performed at two football games, and competed at two marching contests, all while being on fall break," said Director of Bands Monty Hill. "Our students and parents are to be commended on their efforts to help make our band program successful."
The band will close out their week Saturday at the Paragould-McDonald’s Marching Invitational, where the Patriot Pride will compete with 22 bands from three states, including Munford, Tenn., and the 2022 Class 7A runner-up Cabot. Marion is slated to perform at 7:06 p.m.
The band will also perform Friday night during the Patriots’ home game against Sheridan.
The Marion School District is an innovative and growing district committed to helping every student find their unique path to success in school and in life. With more than 150 years of experience serving families in Crittenden County, the district offers a high school, a junior high, a seventh grade school, and three award-winning magnet schools. For enrollment information, including information on school choice, visit https://www.msd3.org/ or call 870-739-5100.