The Marion Patriot Pride Marching Band swept the Class 6A competition Saturday at the Power Band Classic at Lake Hamilton, earning first place in class and third place overall against 19 of the top bands from Arkansas, Texas, and Tennessee.
Marion also took home five Best in Class awards:
Best in Class Color Guard
Best in Class Percussion
Best in Class Music
Best in Class Visual
Best in Class General Effect
In the overall standings, Marion finished just behind first-place Bartlett and second-place Cabot, a mere .35 points out of second place.
“These students put in countless hours of preparation, and we are seeing it pay off,” said Kristen Shepherd, Marion Director of Bands. “Everything is starting to come together, and the growth we’re seeing from this group week to week is exciting. I’m so proud of their effort, and I know there’s more ahead.”
This year’s production is titled “La Vie en Rose,” and features a heavy emphasis on the visual and musical symbolism of roses and the color red. Songs featured in the show include “Kiss from a Rose” by Seal, “La Vie en Rose” by Edith Piaf, “A Time for Us” (from “Romeo and Juliet”), “The Red Machine” by Peter Graham, “Red Cape Tango” by Michael Daugherty, and “Every Rose has its Thorn” by Poison.
Next up for the Patriot Pride is the McDonald’s Marching Invitation, set for Saturday in Paragould. The band’s remaining competitive schedule includes:
Oct. 17: McDonald’s Marching Invitational (Paragould)
Oct. 20: ASBOA Region Marching Contest (Cabot)
Oct. 24: Eastern Shore Classic (Daphne, Ala.)
Nov. 4: 6A State Marching Contest (War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock)
Local fans can also catch the marching band in action at upcoming Patriot home football games, including Oct. 23 (vs. Sheridan) and Nov. 6 (vs. Benton).
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.