The Peabody-Burns High School Marching Band wowed judges at the state fair parade last week, earning a coveted 1 rating.

Interim band director Mike Connell was pleased with how the band performed.

“They performed a spirited dance routine to the pop tune ‘Low Rider,’” he said. “I’ve been told by kids this is the first time the band has had a 1 rating in at least five years.”

Connell, who worked with the band last spring, had just two days with the group before the parade appearance.

“They made some really big differences,” he said. “I’m having a good time.”