Marching Band Ends a Successful Season

November 11, 2011
Filed under Features

This marching season, the band went on a streak of success and is only setting themselves up to be even better for next season.

“The season went great! The caliber and energy that the kids have is awesome, and is definitely better than any season we’ve had that I’ve been teaching,” Assistant Band Director, Albert Vela said.

The band has been placing very highly in the competitions they’ve been attending and only hoped to do even better at their last contest, USSBA State, held on Nov. 5.

“All I expected from the kids was for them to be able to perform and be able to say ‘Wow! That was a great show, and I gave it my all.’,” Vela said.

The band placed 5th out of 31 at the Sam Houston State Marching Contest. This is the best they have ever done at this particular contest, and are very pleased with their results.

“We obviously want to be more successful when it comes to scores. However, our main goal for this year was to put on a more difficult show that would eventually come together to make a cooler performance than previous years,” Vela said.

The day of the Sam Houston State Marching Contest, the band was required to perform in prelims at Huntsville. As soon as the performance was over, they had to come back to play at the home football game vs. Lufkin. Immediately following, they received word that they made finals, and had to drive back up to Huntsville to perform once more.

“It was such a tiring day, but I’m so glad that we made finals and placed 5th. The fact that we had enough energy to do that just shows the dedication that the band has,” Sophomore, Austin Culver said.

Not only has the band been increasing its performance potential, but they also are proud to sport the brand new uniforms they’ve received.

“I think the new uniforms are outstanding. People from across the country have been asking us about them. They’re real head turners,” Vela said.

As the band’s marching shows get more exciting, their performance levels and technique also increase.

“I know the band has increased their visual and musical knowledge and are only getting better. Our goal is to not hit a plateau, but to keep getting better and better,” Vela said.

The band is setting themselves up to be successful everywhere they compete, and they are only hoping to improve further as the seasons come and go.

“This is one of the best bands I have ever seen. I am very privileged to be able to teach them and help them be the best they can,” Vela said.