Band of Pride Marches into State Competition

After thirteen weeks of long rehearsals, hot temperatures, rain storms, muddy fields, and exciting competition, the Paris High School Marching Band is heading to Louisville for the KMEA State Marching Championship. After qualifying this past weekend for semi-finals competition, Paris will be the first Class A Band to take the field at Eastern High School on Saturday. "Being the first band of the day is not ideal, but we are beginning to get used to the idea", explained Paris director Phil Grigson. Paris performed second in the semis last year and first in 2007. "We have the opportunity to set the standard for the day and we need to embrace that opportunity," Grigson continued. Paris must be one of the top four Class A bands to qualify for Finals later in the day at Papa Johns Stadium. This is the fifth straight year the Paris Band of Pride has moved into the semi-finals at the KMEA State Marching Championship and band members have hopes of finishing the season on a high note.

 

"We know that many people believe in us and we believe in ourselves, and we want the judges to know that we can compete with the top bands." - Tori Harris, Field Commander

"As a senior, I would be thrilled to make it to finals for the first time.  It's our last chance and I believe if we work hard, we can do it." - Erin Grigson, Field Commander

Saturday's Semi-Finals competition begins at 10:00 a.m. with Finals beginning at 6:00 p.m.