Spartan News is a presentation of Mason County Central School District in partnership with Mason County Press.
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
BIG RAPIDS — The Mason County Central High School Marching Band received a division 1 rating Wednesday following its performance at the Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association district marching band competition hosted by Big Rapids High School. Division 1 rating is the highest score a band can receive.
The band’s competition performance is titled “Forever” and features 80s rock music from Bryan Adams, the Eurythmics, Journey and Queen.

This was the third competition the band, under the direction of Brian Parent, has participating in this marching band season. It received second place in class D at the Jenison High School competition and also at the Cedar Springs Red Flannel Festival Marching Band competition hosted by Cedar Springs High School. At Cedar Springs the band was also rewarded with top awards for best percussion, best marching, and best music performance in its class.
It also participated in a regional showcase hosted by Cadillac High School.
The band’s practice season began the first week of August where it spent four days overnight at Camp Douglas Smith along Hamlin Lake in Hamlin Township. It then spent another four days at day camp at MCC High School.
The band will participate in one more competition this season on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Mona Shores High School.



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