KHOU 11 crowns The Woodlands College Park High School Marching Band

After 9,000 votes cast, The Woodlands College Park High School Marching Band is the winner of KHOU's "Most Spirited High School Marching Band" contest. Full release below:

The search is over for the “Most Spirited High School Marching Band” in Houston! Today the pride of The Woodlands College Park High School Marching Band earned the coveted title following a month-long competition sponsored by Carnival Cruise Lines and KHOU 11.

More than 40 local high schools competed in “The Battle of the High School Marching Bands” contest, and the winner was crowned after nearly 9,000 votes were cast by friends, family and the community.

Carnival Cruise Lines and KHOU 11 representatives surprised the marching band students, faculty and the administration at The Woodlands College Park High School in The Woodlands today to share the news and invite the band to perform live on KHOU 11 News this Morning.

“We were truly impressed by the tremendous show of talent, school pride and spirit from all participating high schools in the Greater Houston area,” said Jim Berra, chief marketing officer at Carnival Cruise Lines. “We congratulate The Woodlands College Park High School and Cavaliers on their big win and for securing this well-deserved recognition.”

The contest challenged area schools to record a three-minute video of their marching band performing its school fight song, alma mater or original piece of music. Based on music ability, style and sound, Carnival chose five finalists and a public vote on KHOU 11’s Facebook page chose the ultimate winner.

Each of the more than 40 high schools entered will receive a monetary donation to their music program from Carnival Cruise Lines for their participation.

“We’re so proud of the work our talented Cavaliers marching band does and the spirit they bring to our school and athletic events,” said Mark Murrell, principal of The Woodlands College Park High School High School. “We thank all of the fans who voted and our community partners Carnival Cruise Lines and KHOU 11 for recognizing ours as the ‘The Most Spirited High School Marching Band in Houston.’”

Other finalists in the competition included Lamar High School, MacArthur High School, Manvel High School and Stephen F. Austin High School. Each finalist will be honored with a trophy from Carnival Cruise Lines.

Additional background on The Battle of the High School Marching Bands and the winning entry can be found at www.khou.com.