GENTRY, AR — The Gentry Pioneer Band earned top honors at the West Fork Invitational this past weekend, finishing the competition as Grand Champions after an outstanding day of performances.

The Pioneers claimed six individual awards during the finals competition:

• Outstanding Color Guard

• Outstanding Drum Major

• Outstanding Percussion

• Outstanding Musical Performance

• Outstanding Visual Performance

• Outstanding General Effect

The band also delivered an impressive performance in preliminaries, earning first place in Class C and sweeping all six of the same performance awards.

“I’m incredibly proud of these students and the work they’ve put into this season,” said Ruby Contreras, Gentry’s band director. “To earn Grand Champion and receive recognition across all six performance categories is a tremendous accomplishment. These students have worked hard to grow as musicians and performers, and I’m excited to see them take the field again at the state assessment in Little Rock.”

The Grand Champion finish reflects the hard work, preparation and dedication of Gentry’s student musicians, directors and everyone who supports the district’s band program, Contreras said. Parents, school administrators, the Gentry School Board, and other supporters also play an important role in helping students represent Gentry Public Schools throughout the marching season, she said.

The Pioneers’ season continues in November, when the band will perform at the Arkansas State Marching Assessment at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. The event will provide another opportunity for Gentry students to showcase their musical and visual performance skills on the state stage.