Bands of America is an organization that promotes and organizes marching band competitions for high school band students. It is a nationwide organization and is highly competitive. The Bands of America Grand National Championships is considered the largest and most prestigious national marching band event available to high school marching bands, according to their website. This year is the first time since the school opened that our band will compete in the Bands of America competition.

“It’s a very exciting opportunity for our band, and it will tell us a lot about what needs to be fixed for UIL this year” Marina Fick (11) said.

Many band students are excited but equally nervous for the contest. This will be one of the first competitions they compete in that has field judges. Field judges go on the field as the students perform, so that they can judge individuals and be very close to the band students. 

“Going to this competition isn’t about winning. It’s all about teamwork, and getting judged on specific things, so we can fix anything before UIL in a few weeks,” Amy Dunklee (11) said.

The upperclassmen seem excited while contrastingly, the underclassmen seem nervous. 

“This year is very exciting and nerve-racking because it’s a state year, and the Area competition is at Challenger Columbia this year,” Fick (11) said.

First, bands will attend UIL. Then if they get “ones” (the best score), they will go to Area. Only the top 10 of Area get a chance to go to state.

Many bands in the Houston Area compete in this competition and have for years. Hopefully, our band gets to do the same. As the bands get closer to UIL, there will be more competitions to come as well as more times to see them perform their show this marching season.