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The Ponca City High School Big Blue Band was crowned Grand Champion at the 4th Annual SEK Marching Band Invitational held on Tuesday in Coffeyville. The Ponca City band received a final tally of 81.9 points to win the first place trophy.

The Independence High School Bulldog Marching Band placed second with a score of 81.4 points and the Iola High School Marching Mustangs placed third with 75.5 points.

Ponca City received the Outstanding Percussion caption award. Riverton High School earned the Outstanding Color Guard caption award and the Outstanding Drum Major caption award was received by Iola's Michael Wilson.

Each band also received ratings from the adjudicators. Ratings ranged from "1" to "4" with "1" being the best.

Schools receiving "1's" were Ponca City and Independence. Ratings of "2" were received by Labette County High School, Parsons Middle and High School, Dewey High School, Iola, Riverton, Pittsburg High School and Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville. Oklahoma Union High School received a "3" rating.

The marching band competition was sponsored by Coffeyville Community College and ten schools with over 500 students participated.

The SEK Marching Band Invitational provides an opportunity for schools to perform for a panel of adjudicators in a friendly and supportive environment. The feedback given is intended to encourage participating bands to make improvements in their marching and music for future performances at home and other festivals.