The Marion Patriot Pride Marching Band had a strong start to their competitive season Saturday, finishing first in their class at the Conquistador Classic Marching Band Contest, held in Olive Branch, Miss.
Competing against some of the top bands in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas, Marion also earned first-place honors in Color Guard and a second-place finish in Percussion.
The competition included four classifications of competition: A, AA, AAA, and AAAA. The top band in the AAA Class, Marion finished in sixth place overall.
“The talent level at this contest was incredible, and our kids showed that they truly belong on that stage,” said Kristen Shepherd, Marion Director of Bands. “I am so proud of their hard work. They put on a phenomenal performance, and we can’t wait to build on this momentum as the season continues.”
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.
The Patriot Pride returns to competitive action on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Power Band Classic hosted by Lake Hamilton. The band’s full fall schedule includes:
Oct. 10: Power Band Classic (Lake Hamilton)
Oct. 17: McDonald’s Marching Invitational (Paragould)
Oct. 20: ASBOA Region Marching Contest (Cabot)
Oct. 24: Eastern Shore Classic (Daphne, Ala.)
Nov. 2–4: 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. 9 (vs. West Memphis), 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.