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Spartan News is a presentation of Mason County Central School District in partnership with Mason County Press.
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
NORTON SHORES — The Mason County Central High School Marching Band earned first place in Class D Saturday, Oct. 24, at the 39th West Shore Marching Band Invitational, held at Sailor Stadium at Mona Shores High School.
The Spartan marching band earned a total score of 78.8 points and also received awards for Outstanding Marching and Outstanding Percussion. Schoolcraft High School Marching Band placed second in Class D.
The competition was hosted jointly by Mona Shores and Reeths-Puffer high schools and featured bands from throughout west Michigan. MCC performed at 10:45 a.m., competing against Schoolcraft in Class D.
The band is under the direction of Brian Parent with Drum majors Trinniti Arnold and Maggie Robel, both seniors. Its 2026 competition show, titled “Forever,” features 1980s rock music from Bryan Adams, the Eurythmics, Journey and Queen.
Saturday’s first-place finish concluded a successful competition season for the Spartans.
On Wednesday, Oct. 14, the band earned a Division 1 rating, the highest possible, at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association District 1 Marching Band Festival hosted by Big Rapids High School.
Band Director Brian Parent, right, with Drum majors Trinniti Arnold, center, and Maggie Robel
Earlier in the season, the Spartans earned second-place finishes in Class D at the Jenison High School Marching Band Invitational and the Cedar Springs Red Flannel Festival Marching Band Invitational. At Cedar Springs, MCC also received awards for Best Percussion, Best Marching and Best Music Performance in its class.
The band also participated in a regional marching band showcase hosted by Cadillac High School.
Preparation for the season began in early August with four days of overnight band camp at Camp Douglas Smith along Hamlin Lake in Hamlin Township. The students then spent another four days rehearsing at MCC High School.
The Mason County Central marching band returned to invitational competitions in 2023 after a 42-year absence. Since then, the program has continued to develop its competitive performances while also participating in school football games, parades and community events.
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