Marching Bands Gear Up for UIL Class 5A State Competition in San Antonio

Marching Bands Shine in Competition as State Contest Approaches

In the heart of College Station, excitement is building as two local high school marching bands prepare for their upcoming performances at the UIL Class 5A State Marching Contest. Both the A&M Consolidated High Band and Guard and the College Station High School Band and Guard recently showcased their remarkable talent at the UIL Area E Marching Band Contest held on October 26. Their outstanding performances earned them spots in the state contest scheduled for November 4-5 in San Antonio’s Alamodome.

A&M Consolidated High Band’s Journey

The Tiger Band, as they are fondly known, placed fourth overall in the area contest, allowing them to qualify for the prestigious state competition. When you think about the countless hours of practice leading up to this moment, it truly highlights the dedication of these young musicians and their instructors. Band director Steve Fry expressed his enthusiasm: “I am happy for the entire band that they get to continue to experience positive life-changing moments like marching at the state contest. Not very many people get to experience the feeling of walking out onto the turf in the Alamodome to see family and friends cheering you on.”

College Station High School Band’s Success

On the other side of the competition, the College Station Cougar Band made a significant mark as well. They placed second overall, securing their own ticket to state. Band director Jon Seale beamed with pride: “We’re incredibly proud of the dedication and talent demonstrated by the students of the Mighty Cougar Band and Guard. Their hard work and perseverance truly shine when they get to perform their show, ‘Riptide.’” Their show is set to kick off the performances at 9:30 a.m. on November 4.

Competition Schedule and Anticipation

The anticipation doesn’t stop there! The A&M Consolidated High Band will take the stage later that day, performing their show titled “Suspend” at 2:30 p.m. The thrill of performing on such a large stage, with friends and family in attendance, adds an extra layer of excitement for both bands.

This marks the third consecutive year that these bands have qualified for the state contest, a true testament to their consistency, teamwork, and zeal. It’s a proud moment for the College Station community, which always rallies behind its students, encouraging them to aim high and achieve greatness.

Further Highlights from the Area Contest

The preliminary rounds of the Area E contest showcased a wealth of talent from various schools, but it was the high-energy performances of the Tiger and Cougar bands that really stood out. College Station’s journey through the preliminary rounds leading to their second-place finish in the finals was nothing short of thrilling.

As these young musicians gear up for one of the biggest events of their school year, it is crucial to recognize the hard work that has brought them this far. To prepare for state, each student has dedicated countless hours to practice, both in unison and individually. The camaraderie built among musicians is invaluable, creating friendships that last well beyond high school.

The Bigger Picture: Community Support

Marching bands are more than just music and formation— they symbolize school spirit and community pride. As the date approaches, both bands are sure to feel supported, not just by their friends and family but also by the entire College Station community. Everyone is ready to rally and cheer them on, making the experience even more worthwhile.

Final Thoughts

So, as we count down the days to November 4-5, let’s cheer on our local high school bands! College Station is undoubtedly proud of the Tiger and Cougar bands, and their performances remind us all of the power of teamwork, dedication, and the arts in our local schools. Here’s to hoping they bring home more honors and unforgettable memories from the Alamodome!