The North DeSoto High School Griffin Guard is celebrating an outstanding performance at the Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA) State Marching Championships, earning a Superior rating in the auxiliary category and placing second overall among 14 competing bands.
The achievement represents a significant accomplishment for the Griffin Guard and brings statewide recognition to North DeSoto High School and the DeSoto Parish school community.
Griffin Guard Earns Top Recognition
According to an announcement from the North DeSoto High School Griffin Guard, the auxiliary performers received a Superior rating at the state championships, the highest rating classification typically awarded in marching band evaluations.
In addition to earning the Superior distinction, the Griffin Guard finished second overall in auxiliary competition among 14 bands, placing the group among the top performers in its competition field.
The results highlight the students’ preparation, coordination and performance skills on the state championship stage.
Auxiliary units, which often include color guard performers, play an important role in marching band productions by combining movement, choreography and visual interpretation to complement the band’s musical performance.
State Championship Held in Lafayette
The 2026 LMEA State Marching Championships are being held November 9–11 at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium on the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus.
The three-day event brings together high school marching bands from across Louisiana to compete in various classifications and receive evaluations in music, visual performance, percussion and auxiliary performance.
Under LMEA’s judging standards, an auxiliary score of 75 or higher earns a Superior rating. Judges evaluate auxiliary performances separately from the overall marching band’s competition score.
Recognition for Hard Work and Dedication
The Griffin Guard’s achievement reflects the preparation and teamwork required to perform at a competitive level.
Auxiliary performers contribute to the visual presentation of marching band productions through coordinated routines, equipment work and movement designed to complement the music.
Earning a Superior rating while finishing second among 14 competing groups is a notable achievement for the North DeSoto program.
The Griffin Guard shared the results in a celebratory announcement:
“Auxiliary Superior! Overall Auxiliary out of 14 bands – 2nd place!”
Bringing Statewide Recognition to DeSoto Parish
The accomplishment adds to the achievements of North DeSoto High School’s performing arts program and highlights the dedication of its student performers.
For the Griffin Guard, the state championship results provide recognition for the effort invested throughout the marching season and establish a strong benchmark for future competitions.
The achievement also gives the North DeSoto school community another reason to celebrate its students’ accomplishments beyond the classroom.
With a Superior rating and a second-place overall auxiliary finish, the North DeSoto Griffin Guard has earned a place among the top performers in its state championship competition field.