FAIRLEA, W.Va. (WVDN) – The Greenbrier East High School Spartan Marching Band proudly represented their school and the Greenbrier County community this past weekend at the 2nd Annual Eagle’s Nest Marching Band Invitational at South Charleston High School, competing against eleven bands from the region.
Performing in Class A, the Spartans’ 2025 field show, December Sky: Echoes of Valor, brought the story of Pearl Harbor and America’s response in World War II to life through music and movement, honoring the courage and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation. Featuring selections such as December Morning, Infamy, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, and The Promise, the band delivered a dynamic, emotionally resonant performance that earned top honors across multiple categories:
Grand Champion
Class A Champion
People’s Choice Award
1st Place Guard
1st Place Percussion
1st Place Music
1st Place General Effect
2nd Place Drum Majors
2nd Place Visual
The band’s performance also featured Class A soloist vocal trio, which earned first place for their rendition of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.
Under the direction of Jim Allder, with drum majors Maggie Brown and Christian Montgomery, the Spartan Band continues to honor the legacy of American service members. Each student wears the dog tags of a USS West Virginia veteran, generously created and donated by Greenbrier West High School, symbolizing the connection between their show and the events at Pearl Harbor. The band is preparing for their Pearl Harbor Commemoration trip to Hawaii this December, where they will represent both the USS West Virginia and the State of West Virginia.
Before heading to Hawaii, the Spartan Band will showcase their talent locally as the host band for the upcoming Spartan Classic Marching Band Competition on Saturday, October 25, at Spartan Stadium. The event will feature performances from regional high school bands, with exhibition performances by Eastern Greenbrier Middle School and Greenbrier East High School. Food trucks and vendors will be on-site for this exciting community event.
The community is encouraged to come out and cheer on the Spartan Band as they continue their award-winning season and prepare for their performance in Hawaii.
