Andalusia High School’s marching band won best of class for drum major, majorettes, colorguard, percussion and band in the 34th annual Little Big Horn band competition in Opp Saturday.

Nineteen high school marching bands from all over the south Alabama and Gulf Coast region participated in the event, and several local groups took home trophies.

Andalusia earned Is in each category, including drum major, majorettes, colorguard, and percussion.

AHS Band Director Bennie Shellhouse said the excitement level of band members carried the days.

“I think our students had an excitement level about them,” Shellhouse said. “They like to perform and there was a large crowd there for them.”

The band performed hits from the Soul Train era.

“We did really well, the kids worked hard, and they knew what to do,” Shellhouse said. “It was nice to win the class, and it was great for the kids.”

Opp High School Band Director Randy Hughey said the event was very smooth, with great weather, great bands and no problems.

“We had some great performances by the local groups,” he said. “It was a wonderful day.”

Local participants and there scores included:

• Florala High School – drum major, I; majorettes, I; colorguard, II; band, I. FHS’s drum major and majorettes were best in class.

• Red Level High School – drum major, I; majorettes, I; colorguard, I; percussion, I; band, I.

• Straughn High School – drum major, I; majorettes, I; dance line, I; colorguard, I; percussion, I; band, I.

Taking home this year’s big awards were: Elba High School – Director’s Award; Flomaton – Fan’s Favorite, which was made in OHS color guard member Breonia Parks’ memory; Satsuma High School – Mallory Award; and Charles Henderson High School (Troy) – most entertaining and best soloist.

“Special thanks to some of the Andalusia Band Boosters that helped fill in while some of our kids attended (Breonia) Parks’ funeral,” Hughey said.