GENTRY, AR — Gentry High School's Pride of Gentry Marching Band from earned a Superior (First Division) rating at the Arkansas State Marching Contest at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock Monday. The band also placed fifth overall among 4A schools statewide, marking the second consecutive year the ensemble has achieved both a Superior rating and a Top-5 finish at the prestigious state event.
Under the direction of Ruby Contreras, the Pride of Gentry performed with precision, energy, and musical artistry—earning high praise from judges and spectators alike.
This year’s success at the state level caps off an exceptional marching contest season for the program. Earlier this fall, the Pride of Gentry earned multiple awards at the War Eagle Classic, including Outstanding Percussion, Outstanding Color Guard/Auxiliary, Outstanding Music, Outstanding Marching, and Outstanding General Effect. The band also received an Excellent rating at the Region VI Marching Assessment, which qualified them to advance to the state championships.
“I’m incredibly proud of our students for their dedication and excellence,” said Contreras. “Earning a Superior rating for the second year in a row shows how much heart and hard work our students put into representing Gentry with pride. This accomplishment is a reflection of their teamwork, resilience, and passion for music.”
The Arkansas State Marching Contest showcases the best high school bands from across the state, with groups earning invitations based on their regional performance scores earlier in the season.
Gentry High School’s Pride of Gentry Marching Band continues to build on a tradition of excellence and community spirit, inspiring pride both on and off the field.