Loganville Christian Academy’s '“Marching Lions” earned an overall Superior score at the March the Plank competition hosted by Pike County High School on Saturday, Oct. 26. (LCA Photo)
ZEBULON, Ga. — Saturday, Oct. 26 finished as a monumental day for Loganville Christian Academy’s (LCA) Marching Band. The “Marching Lions” competed in the March the Plank competition hosted by Pike County High School and brought home several top honors.
All of those accomplishments led to the Marching Lions earning an overall Superior score.
Director of Fine Arts at LCA, Melissa Farr expressed her excitement for the students’ accomplishments.
“The students did absolutely amazing! I literally cried as soon as they got off the field,” Farr said. “I knew the second they put their horns down that they had just completed their best show, and I couldn’t be more proud.”
The Marching Lions received Superior ratings for Winds, Percussion, and Winds/Percussion Visual as well as an Excellent rating in Visual. LCA’s percussion received second runner-up, too.
Sarah Marx, specifically, earned a Superior rating for her performance as a drum major.
Interestingly, of all the school’s present for the competition, LCA was the only band who had sixth graders in percussion.
Amid her enthusiasm, Farr recognized two people who have been vital to the band’s success.
“A massive shout out to Ryan Baker and Lynn Osborne. There is absolutely no way we would have seen the band grow and thrive if it weren’t for both of these amazing people,” Farr said. “There is absolutely no way I could do this without their help!”
Head of school, Rachel Ernst recognized the development of the band that has helped spearhead its success.
“The Marching Lions have had a tremendous amount of growth over the past couple of years and it is exciting to see them performing so well,” Ernst said. “Under the direction of Mrs. Farr, Mr. Baker, and Mrs. Osborne, the future is very bright for this young but talented group of musicians and performers.”
LCA’s final competition will be on Saturday, Nov. 2 at Commerce High School for the Tiger Town Throwdown. It begins at 2 p.m. with the Marching Lions performing around 3 p.m. Admission is $10 while children under five years old are free. Administration from participating schools also get in free.
With last weekend’s success showcasing how the Marching Lions are thriving, Farr cannot wait to see what’s next for this group.
“Ever since I started teaching at LCA six years ago, I've prayed to have a band program that my own children could one day participate in and be proud to call their own community. We started out tiny, but we kept pushing through and praying,” Farr said. “I'm so incredibly thankful that the Lord saw fit to bless our efforts and answer our prayers. I know God is not done yet.”
