Band returns from State
Band has returned from the state competition, as well as reportedly their best performance of the year, placing 27th out of the 31 best bands in Texas. Though this may seem like a low ranking, the band is very proud of their performance and ranking.
“We were more proud of the fact that we were one of the best out of 256 bands… We were thrilled to be there and our placement, to us is not really that important,” Said Steven Fry, the band director. “What was more important was… every kid came off the field feeling like it was their best show.”
The bands competition started off well, with a crowd of students gathering in the front of the school for a sendoff. Waving, cheering, and displaying posters to encourage the marching band.
“It really made me feel like all the work that we had been doing since August 1st had finally meant something to people other than just us,” Shamus Duffy said.
Also before the band left, they were welcomed to the band room that morning to find all of their lockers colorfully decorated by the band parents the day before. Balloons, streamers, personalized signs, and other decorations were strung up about the room to congratulate the kids.
This was the first time that the Tomball Band has qualified for state since 1996, back when the criteria was much different, and the state competition was held in Austin. The modern competition had a completely different set of criteria, and was held in a dome rather than a stadium.
“This was our first time performing in a dome as opposed to an open stadium, and the effect that that has on the sound was kind of wonky. But it was still one of our best performances of the season and I’m really proud about that,” Duffy said.
The performance at state was bittersweet. Though it was a great one, it will also be the last performance for most of the seniors in band.
“There are no words. When I think about what they’ve done over the past three months, kids who have never marched… it’s pretty amazing what’s expected of these kids,” said Fry, beginning to tear up over the pride he has in his students. “This is an AP class in its highest art form. We’re asking kids to read formations and formulas to create pictures they’ll never see. I couldn’t be more proud of our kids.”
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