Mars Area marching band majorette performs as they hosted family and friends for a performance as the marching band recently won “Best of Show” at a competition on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, at Mars Athletic Complex. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
ADAMS TWP — Every year, Mars Area Marching Band puts together a performance for family and friends at the end of its season. This year, there was another reason for the band’s inner circle to gather.
Members of the ensemble and its community convened at the Mars Athletic Complex on Wednesday, Nov. 4, to celebrate the band’s first place win in class A at the 2026 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Marching Band Association (PIMBA) Championships.
PIMBA is a local marching band circuit in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Mars Area marching band had a big ribbon made for their Best in Show as they hosted family and friends for a performance as the marching band recently won “Best of Show” at a competition on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, at Mars Athletic Complex. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
The band won in all the scoring categories at the contest — general effect, music performance and visual performance — with a score of 81.4, according to the circuit’s website.
This year’s production, titled “Best In Show,” was inspired by the events of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and featured a variety of themed musical selections.
Senior students were also recognized, according to Rachelle Rankin, president of the band boosters. The marching band has student members from seventh to 12th grade.
The tracks were “Who Let the Dogs Out” by The Baha Men, “Go the Distance” by Michael Bolton from the “Hercules” soundtrack, “Dog Days are Over” by Florence + The Machine and selections from the soundtrack of the film “Best in Show.”
Mars Area marching band majorette holds up number one for the champs as they hosted family and friends for a performance as the marching band recently won “Best of Show” at a competition on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, at Mars Athletic Complex. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Austin Pengilly, the band director, said the team considered numerous ideas for designing a show, which is exciting for the Friday-night football game crowds while also standing out in Saturday’s competitions.
“The Mars marching band had a blast putting this production together throughout the Fall season,” said Pengilly.
Rankin said band members were excited about winning, and she noted marching band is a major commitment for participating students.
The band is traveling to Disney World Resort in April to perform at the Magic Kingdom, said Rankin.
One of the marching band and the boosters’ main goals is to keep the program going.
“Arts and band programs are kind of a fading thing, and we’re really trying to keep the kids involved,” Rankin said.
Mars Area marching band baritone player yells out as they hosted family and friends for a performance as the marching band recently won “Best of Show” at a competition on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, at Mars Athletic Complex. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Mars Area marching band members dance as they hosted family and friends for a performance as the marching band recently won “Best of Show” at a competition on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, at Mars Athletic Complex. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Mars Area marching band tuba player performs as they hosted family and friends for a performance as the marching band recently won “Best of Show” at a competition on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, at Mars Athletic Complex. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Mars Area marching band horn section plays as they hosted family and friends for a performance as the marching band recently won “Best of Show” at a competition on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, at Mars Athletic Complex. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Mars Area marching band majorette performs as they hosted family and friends for a performance as the marching band recently won “Best of Show” at a competition on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, at Mars Athletic Complex. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Mars Area marching band majorettes perform as they hosted family and friends for a performance as the marching band recently won “Best of Show” at a competition on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, at Mars Athletic Complex. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Mars Area marching band drum major Mei Lein Mansfield instruct the band ro start as they hosted family and friends for a performance as the marching band recently won “Best of Show” at a competition on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, at Mars Athletic Complex. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Mars Area marching band majorettes laugh as they play the alma mater as they hosted family and friends for a performance as the marching band recently won “Best of Show” at a competition on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, at Mars Athletic Complex. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle
