Marion band poised to chase new records

180 students to march in Patriot Pride Band this fall

By ANDREW WELD

MSD Communications

Marion High School will field its largest band in school history this fall, with 180 student musicians taking the field on Friday nights as part of the Patriot Pride Marching Band. The band will also field a 160-member competition marching band that is poised to improve upon the records set by the band last year.

The theme for this year’s competition show is “Riveting.” The show pays homage to “Rosie the Riveter” and all of the women who supplied America’s war effort during World War II. According to Director of Bands Monty Hill, the show has been in development since last November and is truly one of a kind.

“Our students and staff have really risen to the task in developing this outstanding contest show,” Hill said. “We simply cannot wait until our home football crowd see this production for the first time.”

October is referred to as “Bandtober” in some circles. During this time, the Marion Patriot Pride will spring into action competing in three states in five weeks. The full competition schedule is as follows:

■ ■ October 5 – The Mid-South Invitational, Jonesboro (Marion is the two-time defending champion.)

■ ■ October 12 – The Ark-La-Miss US Bands Championship, West Monroe High School, Monroe, La.

■ ■ October 19 – The Eastern Shore Classic, Daphne, Ala.

■ ■ October 21 – ASBOA Region Marching Assessment, Paragould

■ ■ October 26 – Paragould McDonald’s Marching Invitational, Paragould

■ ■ November 6 – ASBOA State Marching Contest, War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock

■ ■ November 9 – US Bands

Image courtesy of MSD

Southern States Championship, Huntsville, Ala.

With a busy competition season comes excitement and lots of hard work. Joining the Marion band staff this year is new colorguard instructor Darby McGee. McGee is also teaching math at Marion High School and is excited to join the Marion Band family.

The Patriot Pride Band will also be traveling in style this year, as the Marion School District has purchased four new tour buses, a new tractor- trailer, and a box truck that will allow the band to safely and proudly transport students and equipment to all competitions and performances.

The Marion Patriot Pride Marching Band will premiere a portion of “Riveting” on September 6, when the Patriots take on Harding Academy at Southern Bancorp Stadium in Marion.

The Marion Patriot Pride Marching Band will boast 180 student musicians this fall as they perform at Marion football games and pursue excellence in regional marching competitions.