DMS band wins awards at Marion contest

MARION - The Du Quoin Middle School Band competed at the annual Illinois Grade School Music Association's organizational contest held at Marion Junior High School this past Saturday.

The 75-member band received two 1st Superior ratings and one 1st rating. The band performed a selection of three pieces of contrasting styles. They opened the competition with a march entitled, "Darklands March" by Randall Standridge.

Their second selection was, "Jupiter" from "The Planets" by Gustav Holst, and arranged by Mark Williams. Their final piece was a piece entitled, "Voltage" by David Shaffer.

The band prepared for the contest since January. Their time and effort paid off on Saturday with an excellent performance. The band's next performance is the annual spring concert on Sunday, May 6 at Du Quoin High School.