The Italy Gladiator Regiment Band captured a Division I ranking Wednesday in the University Interscholastic League Region 8 Marching Contest for Class A and AA bands in La Vega.

The band’s routine focused on red. The first song they performed was entitled, “Planetary Motion: Mars” followed by “Moscow 1941.” The concluded their performance with “Malaguena.”

The band spent two hours Tuesday morning practicing on a turf field in McGregor, according to Jesus Perez, band director. “That helped us a lot. The most noticeable improvement I saw was in the marching.”

Judges for the competition included Tim Edins of Hamilton, Craig Ewing of Corpus Christi and Elmer Schenk of McKinney.

Approximately 36 bands performed Tuesday; each vying for a Division I score that will advance them to area competition.

Students at Stafford Elementary and the high school gave the band a heart-felt send-off Tuesday morning. They received a police escort back into town that evening.

The Gladiator Band will compete in area competition on Saturday, Oct. 29, in Belton. Fans of the band are urged to attend this competition.