The band attended the  National Association of Military Marching Bands contest on November 4 at Stephen F. Austin University. At this contest, the band placed first in the 5A division.

“It was their best performance of the year,” band director Steven Moore said. “The band worked very hard and really wanted to do well.”

Unlike the other marching contests the band attends, NAMMB is for military marching bands only. This gives the military band a chance to shine without being compared to core bands, whose style is much different.

“I had confidence that we would do well in contest,” senior Carson Clifton said. “We sounded good, and I’m pretty sure the marching was good. Regardless though, it was still an incredible feeling to know that the hard work and practice paid off.”

Marching season started for the students at the beginning of August. Since then, they have spend countless hours at morning and night rehearsals to prepare for the various contests they attended.

“It all begins in the hot days of August,” Moore said. “The band shows up three weeks or so before school begins and puts in 4 hour rehearsals for most everyday of the week. They learn and perfect all the marching fundamentals, plus learn and memorize the contest music and work up 10-15 songs to play in the stands.”

The band’s marching season was a successful all around this year. They received 1st Division at UIL and 12th place overall at Area.

“The band has had to endure and perform in temps for 100 degrees at Mineola to 30 degrees at Area in Mesquite,” Moore said. “These kids are tough and I am proud of them.”