The Dragon Band is traveling to Baylor University next Tuesday to compete against eleven other 5A/6A high schools in the State Military Marching Band Championships. The band was able to earn its 43rd First Division rating at the UIL Region 21 Marching Contest Saturday despite complications earlier in the year.
“I think this year it was the massive heat wave we had at the very beginning of marching season,” Head Band Director Jacob Weems said. “The heat was just so intense that the safety of the kids came first, and we scheduled some of the things for nighttime or early in the morning to help with that.”
There was a massive heat wave at the beginning of marching season that impacted the band and their practice schedule. They overcame this struggle and managed to make it to state. The band members are hopeful of performing well this year.
“I hope to have the best performance we’ve had so far this year, this competition is very competitive so doing well would be a really big achievement for this band,” Drum Major Adrian Belista said.
Preparing for state requires every person in the band to give it their absolute best. No matter how frustrated everyone gets after running the drill again and again, or how exhausted everyone is after a late practice. Directors and section leaders work hard to encourage their sections to perform well.
“It’s my first year being a section leader, so it’s taking on the responsibility of the whole section instead of just me. (I’m) just trying to push the clarinet section to be better,” Clarinet Section Leader Taylor Hart said.
We know our band will make our community proud and we wish them luck when they make their trip to McLane Stadium.
“To future band members: you will face so many obstacles as a member of this band. There will be times you will want to give up or give half effort, but it’s your choice to continue the legacy of this program, and the feeling of getting first divisions is so worth it,” Drum Major Adrian Belista said.
