All three area high school marching bands earned first division ratings at regional marching contests last week to advance to the next round of competition.

The Alba-Golden Prowling Panther Band got its 1’s in the Class 2A contest at Mt. Pleasant last Tuesday while Quitman and Mineola each earned straight 1’s from the three judges in the 3A contest at Mt. Pleasant on Wednesday.

The area contests are scheduled Saturday, Oct. 26 at Whitehouse for Class 3A, while the 2A area contest will be hosted by Mineola on Saturday, Nov. 2.

The state marching contest in San Antonio will be Wednesday, Nov. 6 for Class 3A , and Class 2A is scheduled for, Tuesday, Nov. 12.

The Winnsboro marching band also earned 1’s and will be at the 3A area contest Saturday while the Hawkins High School band was rated first division and competes in the military-style state championship Tuesday, Oct. 29 in Waco.