The Italy Gladiator Regiment Band scored a respectable Division II rating at the University Interscholastic League Region 8 Marching Contest Wednesday at La Vega High School in Waco.

The band performed its “Tribute to Motown” which features three songs – I Want You Back by The Jackson Five, Lady Marmalade by Labelle and Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone by The Temptations.

Jesus Perez, band director, said the three judges had good things to say about the Gladiator Regiment Band.

Ann Lowes of LaGrange said the band had a nice balance and blend during loud sections and needed to apply that to the softer sections. She enjoyed the band’s energy and though the band had a clear and consistent marching style.

Jim Cude of Whitesboro gave the band positive marks on 40 of the 43 items listed on the comment sheet. He said the band did great with marching fundamentals but some individuals were playing too loud.

Keith Bearden of Lubbock said the band had some nice individual sounds but didn’t blend well enough and said the band had too many individuals out of step and with improper foot technique.

Of the 16 Class A high school bands performing, only five received a Division I rating: Itasca, Axtell, Wortham, Kerens and Bremond.

Class A high school bands receiving a Division II rating, besides Italy, included: Mart, Valley Mills, Bosqueville and Holland.

Leon, Iola and Bartlett high school bands garnered a Division III rating; Hubbard High School band earned a Division IV rating; and Coolidge High School band received a Division V rating.