The Esprit de Corps trophy was presented to the school group with the most spirit, musicianship, and best citizenship as voted on by those involved in the festival - host workers, administrators, judges, and park personnel.
Marshall band directors said they were told repeatedly by festival personnel that the MHS students were the nicest, most polite students they had ever seen.
"We've been told many times at different events we've participated in that our kids are mannerly and polite, but it's the first time we've gotten a trophy for it!" said Dr. Jerry Payne, director of the Big Red Pride.
Competing for the trophy were all 37 musical groups from all across the nation, whether it was a band or a chior.
The MHS band traveled to Los Angeles, California last week to compete in the festival with bands from Arizona, California, Nevada, New Jersey, and New York.
The Big Red Pride competed in three events: Jazz ensemble, non-varsity concert band (Symphonic band), and varsity concert band (Honor band).
The band made a clean sweep of the band awards with a second place trophy in the jazz ensemble category, missing first place by only 1 point; a first place trophy in non varsity concert concert band awarded to the MHS Symphonic Band, directed by Al Hobson, Jr.; and a first place trophy in the varsity concert band category awarded to the MHS Honor Band under the direction of Dr. Jerry R. Payne.
The Honor Band was also awarded the Judges' Choice trophy as the Outstanding Band in the contest.
In addition to participating in the the festival, the Marshall band students visited the Queen Mary, the beach, Disneyland, Universal Studios, and toured Hollywood and the Los Angeles area.
The 206 students and 26 adults returned to Marshall Monday as "seasoned" air travelers, tired but victorius.
"This year's band has done a fantastic job of remaining focused and dedicated to excellence, "said Dr. Payne, "Their preparation and performance have been of the highest quality possible." "The icing on the cake was to be rewarded for their dedication and good citizenship with the Esprit de Corps Award.
"The students and the directors would like to thank the MISD Administration and board of trustees, as well as the Marshall Association of Band Supporters and other parents and Friends of the Band for making this fantastic trip experience possible. We feel honored to have had the opportunity to represent our school, our district, and the community of Marshall on a national basis and are extremely proud of our success in accomplishing that task."
The band also won the coveted UIL Sweepstakes trophy on April 13.
5/5/2000
Conrats band! GREAT JOB! The big red pride has a pretty good history of winning big on the road. Here is a quick list of some of the places they have won the past few trips. Sorry...but I dont have any info on contests before 1988.
2000-Los Angeles- Disneyland- First
1998-Miami/Bahamas- First
1996-Orlando- Dinseyworld Festival- First
1994-Orlando- Disneyworld Festival- First
1992-Orlando- Disneyworld Festival- First
1990- San Antonio- First Place
1988- Tennesse- Smokey Mountain Competition- 1st place
