The Marion Patriot Pride Band traveled to the Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Ala., on Saturday to compete in the Southeastern Championship sponsored by US Bands. Marion placed second overall with a season-high score of 91.7.
Color guard and percussion received first division ratings as well.
The Patriot Pride Band qualified for the event on Oct. 12, when they captured the Grand Championship at the Ark-La Miss Regional in Monroe, La. This marks the first year the Marion Band has competed in a US Bands-sponsored event. US Bands, formally the United States Scholastic Band Association, and sometimes referred to as USSBA, was formed in the fall of 1988 to provide high school marching bands an opportunity to compete in a circuit featuring top judges from across the continent.
The order of finalists Saturday in Huntsville was as follows:
Bob Jones High School (Alabama -- current Alabama state champion)
Marion (Arkansas)
Harrison County (Kentucky)
Deshler (Alabama)
Columbia Central (Tennessee)
Clarksville (Tennessee)
Soddy Daisy (Tennessee)
Heard County (Georgia)
Leeds (Alabama)
Dyersburg (Tennessee)
The Marion Patriot Pride Band will wrap up its competitive marching season on Wednesday (Nov. 13) when they travel to War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock to compete for the Arkansas 6A State Marching title. The band will depart at 6 a.m. from behind the indoor football facility. Marion’s performance time is scheduled for 12:45 pm.
The Marion School District is an innovative and growing district that ensures an equitable, engaging learning community where every student is empowered to achieve academic excellence and personal growth. With more than 150 years of experience serving families in Crittenden County, the district offers a high school, a junior high, a seventh grade academy, and three award-winning magnet schools. For enrollment information, including information on school choice, visit https://www.msd3.org/ or call 870-739-5100.