GLUCKSTADT — The beat is strong in Marion County, and that fact was proven Saturday with the marching bands from Columbia placing second and West Marion placing fifth in the state 3A competition.
A total of 10 3A bands from across the state traveled to Gluckstadt seeking a state championship. Columbia performed first of the two local bands, presenting its program, “Along Came a Spider.” Directly following Columbia West Marion performed its program, “Exile.”
Defending State 3A Champs Columbia also placed in specialized awards, including second place for general effect, visual performance and color guard. The band also received third place in music performance and percussion.
West Marion placed eighth last year and moved up three spaces to fifth, the best West Marion has done on a state-level competition. The season this year has been successful all around for West Marion. The band competed in three other competitions and in the regionals and received “all superior” each time.
“I am super stoked. They pushed and made it. Super proud of them,” West Marion Band Director Ryan Pippen said after the awards were handed out. “We had goals this year to earn all superior in all of competitions and to break the top five in state and we have met them.”
Columbia Band Director Leslie Fortenberry said, “I’m incredibly proud of the band. They have worked extremely hard this year and successfully ended the season with a second place finish. ‘Along Came a Spider’ was a phenomenal show, and I am extremely impressed with how well the kids did with it.”
Columbia Superintendent Jason Harris said, “As the old saying goes, ‘Competition is a good thing; it forces us to do our best.’ Precisely that is what we did, our best. I am proud of the Columbia High School Marching Band and how hard they worked this year. Our band members are still victorious.
“I was also proud to see West Marion High School Marching Band finish fifth. For two bands from the same county to finish in the top five of all 3A bands is a testament to the dedication of the band directors, assistants, students, parents and volunteers. This accomplishment is something all of Marion County can celebrate,” he said.
Marion County Superintendent Wendy Bracey said, “I am super proud of our West Marion High School Band. Our book for this year is ‘The Hard Hat.’ The overarching theme of the book is ‘Well done is greater than well said (WD>WS).’ Truly Mr. Ryan Pippen, his band staff and students have lived up to that motto of ‘well done is greater than well said.’ Their goal was to have an award winning show this year, and they met their goal. I love that they keep inspiring excellence the Marion County way.”
