Straughn’s String Band finished second at the FFA String Band District Competition at Enterprise High School on March 19.

The competition promotes music tradition and music education in the schools, according to sponsor Karen McGlaun.

Alabama is the only state that still sponsors a string band competition.

Bands competed with various Class 1A through 7A schools. Each band performed three songs, one of which was instrumental.

Straughn performed “Great Balls of Fire,” “Wipeout,” “Traveling Soldier” and “Dixieland Delight.”

With their second place finish, the string band will participate in the state competition on June 9 in Montgomery.

“A great deal of hard work and practice goes in to being a member of this band,” String Band member Santana Hamrac said. “It’s not just a club.

“We are all excited about our state competition,” she said.