When Monty and Valerie Hill took over the Marion School District’s band program in 2020, they set out with a clear vision: To build the Patriot Pride Band into one of the premier programs in Arkansas.
Six years later, that vision is reality. Under the Hills’ leadership, the Marion band has nearly tripled in size, winning numerous grand championships and Sweepstakes Awards. Countless students have earned All-Region and All-State honors, and dozens have gone on to college on music scholarships -- a testament to the program’s excellence and their directors’ steadfast commitment.
Now, Mr. Hill will be taking on a new challenge. This week, Monty Hill was named Director of Bands at his alma mater, Henderson State University in Arkadelphia. Along with Valerie’s retirement, an impressive chapter for the Marion Band program will close.
“Monty Hill has made a profound and lasting impact on our students, our band program, and the broader Marion school community,” said Dr. Glen Fenter. “We are deeply grateful for the passion, energy, and unwavering commitment both he and Valerie have poured into our students and for the culture of pride and excellence they have helped cultivate. Their work has created opportunities that will continue to benefit students well into the future, and for that we are sincerely thankful.”
“One of the realities of attracting and supporting exceptional talent is that, inevitably, others will recognize it as well, and you sometimes face the possibility of outstanding people being drawn to new opportunities,” Fenter continued. “While it is never easy to see a remarkable educator move on, we are appreciative of all the Hills have contributed to Marion and proud of the strong foundation that remains. At the Marion School District, our job is to be great at everything, and to give our students a chance to be a part of something that is great. That commitment does not waver. We will continue building on the excellence established within our band program and across the district, ensuring our students continue to receive the very best we have to offer.”
Perhaps most notable among the band program’s success under Hill, is the pure number of students involved. When the Hills arrived in Marion in 2020, fewer than 150 students were involved in band from grades 7-12. Today, that figure stands at nearly 400.
“Serving the students and families of Marion has been one of the great honors of my life,” Monty said. “I could not be more proud of what our band students have accomplished -- their work ethic, growth, and commitment to excellence have been truly special to witness. The relationships built here, both inside and outside the band room, are ones I will always value. This was not an easy decision, and it comes with a great deal of reflection and emotion, because Marion is a place that means so much to me. I will always be grateful for my time at the Marion School District and for the incredible students, colleagues, and community members who made it so memorable.”
The accomplishments of the band program under the Hills’ leadership are almost too many to name:
Program grew from less than 150 members to nearly 400
15 coveted ASBOA Sweepstakes Awards
31 band members selected for All-State honors
569 students selected for All-Region honors
10 grand championships in marching competitions in Arkansas and surrounding states
Defeated more than 250 bands from at least seven states in marching competitions across the Mid-South.
Four top-four finishes at the Arkansas State Marching Band Contest
Prestigious Top 8 finish at the elite 2025 Bandmasters Championship at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis.
Invitations to perform at Disney World in Florida, at the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C., and at Universal Studios in Florida.
Nearly four dozen band alumni attending college on band scholarships
Three band members (Christopher Partin, Miller Owen, Patrick Rath) selected to perform with the prestigious National Honor Band of America
One band member (Miller Owen) selected for nationally televised Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
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.