Greenville High School’s Lion Pride Band earned first division ratings at University Interscholastic League Marching Contest on Tuesday and is headed to area competition this weekend.

The GHS Band received superior ratings at the Region IV contest, held at Mt. Pleasant High School, and will compete in the Area Marching Competition for the first time since 2001.  The competition is scheduled for Mesquite Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

GHS is scheduled to march at noon.

“I think this shows the level of dedication and hard work that the kids have put in,” said Kyle Treadwell, GHS Director of Bands.  Treadwell said the contest capped off months of practice and rehearsals.  “A lot of the credit goes to my seniors and student leaders who put a lot of work into establishing a positive, working environment and helped set the tone for the other members.”

During the competition, bands are judged on both the quality of the musical performance and marching execution.  Of the three Class 4A bands from Region IV that advanced to Saturday’s competition, Greenville was one of two that earned perfect scores from all three judges.

“You’d have thought they had won state, with all the screaming and hugging going on.  They were very excited,” said Treadwell.  “But this is validation for all the hard work they have put in.  And for the seniors that have been around and heard Greenville’s named announced and then given a Division II or III rating, they know that’s not the case anymore.  They are now a part of a Division I band.”

Treadwell said he expects continued success for Greenville bands, and hopes that Tuesday’s performance – along with Saturday’s – can serve as the standard and not the exception.

“I think one of the hallmarks of successful programs is that you hold yourself to a certain standard, that you expect to achieve at a certain level,” said Treadwell.  “It’s exciting to be a part of establishing that standard.”

Of the 19 bands competing on Saturday, seven will be selected as finalists.  Of the seven finalists, three will be chosen to attend state competition.

Drum majors for the GHS Band are Aaron Evans and Lisa Malone.  GHS Bands are under the direction of Treadwell, Richard Burt, Aubrey Williams and Jenny Bartley.