Four Marion School District bands earned top ratings Monday, competing at the Region IV Concert Assessment held at West Memphis High School. The awards are presented by the Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association.
Participating in the event were the Marion High School Wind Symphony, the Marion High School Symphonic Band, the Marion High School Concert Band, and the Marion 8th Grade Symphonic Band. All four bands earned the highest ratings possible -- straight Superior First Division ratings in both Stage Performance and Sight-Reading Performance.
By virtue of their results Monday, all four bands also earned coveted ASBOA Sweepstakes Awards. The MHS Wind Symphony will be traveling to compete in 6A State Concert Assessment April 15 in Searcy, with a chance to earn the State Super Sweepstakes Award for the second year in a row.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the way our kids performed,” said Kristen Shepherd, director of bands for the Marion School District. “They’ve spent months preparing with focus and determination, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see that dedication pay off as they continue the strong tradition of excellence in our program.”
The strong performance at the Regional Concert Assessment is just the latest highlight in another exceptional year for the Marion Band program. Other notable accomplishments include:
10 band members earned All-State honors
125 students in grades 8-12 earned spots in the All-Region Band (a school record)
4th place finish at the 6A State Marching Contest, earning a First Division (superior) rating for a school-record third straight year
Grand Champions of the Devil Dog Classic in Morrilton
Straight First Divisions at the Region IV Marching Assessment in Cabot
Grand Championship at the Eastern Shore Classic in Daphne, Ala.
Elite Top 8 finish at the Bandmasters Championship at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis
First Divisions in Color Guard, Percussion, and Band, and Best Visuals at the Legacy Marching Invitational in Bryant.
Next up for the Marion Band program will be a trip to Universal Studios in Orlando. A total of 105 band students will make the trip, departing on Thursday.
The Marion Bands will be featured in two upcoming concerts: MHS on Tuesday, April 21, and MJHS and 7GA on Tuesday, April 28. Both performances will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Marion Performing Arts Center. Admission is free.
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.