Tomball High’s marching band was awarded first place in their class on Saturday, September 27. As they entered Woodforest Stadium, the pressure of competing against 21 other bands set in.

Program director Steve Fry was a big part of the band’s success. He created a new start date for the band members. They wouldn’t just practice during the school year. Three weeks before school began, the Cougarpride band began its work. Every week day the members would arrive at 9:00 am and leave at 9:00 pm. This not only allowed the band extra practice,but allowed class divisions to disappear. Seniors and sophomores befriended the freshman. Juniors helped the freshman with the show music. The band family supported each other through the long practices they have.

Now that school has begun, the band practices every weekday, except Monday, for three hours after school. On Monday they review their performance from the week before, deciding what they need to improve on.

“The [football] games are my favorite part of being in the band,” a band member said, “I’m part of the energy that builds in the stadium, and that’s pretty cool.”

Even though the band has won this competition, they have eight more performances until they are finished with marching season. On Tuesday, October 23, the band will go to UIL at noon. Their performance is at Woodforest Stadium.