The Spartan Marching Band of Greenbrier East High School swept the marching band competitions at the recent parade and field show programs at the Mountain State Forest Festival in Elkins.

In the parade competition, which is considered one of the longest parades ever held in West Virginia, the Spartan band placed first place Group 1110 competition.

Additionally, the GEHS band scored the best auxiliary (flag corps) and overall Grand Championship as well as Group III-0 champions.

On the field completion that evening, the Spartan band won first place in Group 1110, first place percussion, first place marching in Class 1110, second place marching overall, and overall Grand Championship of the 82nd Mountain State Forest Festival marching band competitions.

Director James Allder noted that the Elkins competition is one of the strongest in West Virginia and said this was the first major competition the band has participated in this year.

On Oct. 12 the Spartan band presented the field show as presented at the Mountain State Forest Festival, and on Oct. 13, the band competed in the Musselman Invitation in Inwood in the eastern panhandle.

Other competitions include the Tournament of Bands Chapter Championships at Fairmont State University on Oct. 20, and the WV High School Invitational at the University of Charleston Stadium on Oct. 27.

On Nov. 2 the Spartan band will present the field show in Spartan Field for the final time as part of the halftime of the East-Riverside football game. The band alumni will also be holding a campfire program alumni reunion at the Greenbrier Youth Camp.