EastTexasRadio.com Powered by Ten Stations
The North Lamar High School Marching Band continued their storied history of excellence this marching season with incredible performances and contest success that validated their 4A State Championship honor last season.
“We were extremely proud and humbled by how hard the students worked on the show this year,” said Randy Jones, Head Band Director for North Lamar High School. “After the success, we had last year, they just picked up where they left off and kept going.”
The NL Marching Band began the season attending the Little Elm Classic on the Lake Marching Contest on October 7. This was a tough contest for the North Lamar Band because of the many outstanding 5A and 6A marching bands competing from the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.
“It really gives us a pulse as to how well we are doing and what we need to fix and change,” said Associate Band Director Jason R. Smith. “We were incredibly pleased with how well the band performed. It was at least 100 degrees on the field when we marched. And as athletically and musically demanding as our show is, it is a testament to the physical and mental stamina these students have under those conditions.”
The NLHS Marching Band finished finals third overall behind Heritage HS and Lone Star HS both from the Frisco Independent School District. The band suited up for another run in finals that night and did not disappoint. Again, they finished third with the Color Guard placing first. The band’s marching was second overall and the drum line and percussion placed third overall.
Finals Placement from Little Elm Classic on the Lake was Lone Star HS (first place), Heritage HS (second place), North Lamar HS (third place), followed by Richardson HS, Argyle HS, Lebanon Trail HS, Sherman HS, Canton HS, Sachse HS and Frisco HS.
The NLHS Marching Band continued the competition season by attending the Princeton High School Sounds of Fall Marching Classic on October 14.
“This was another tough contest. Nine competing bands had been in finals at the UIL State Marching Contest over the past two years!” said Associate Band Director Roderick Boyce. “We were shocked and flattered at the reviews from the crowd and judges over our show.”
North Lamar swept every award in preliminary and finals. They were first in Marching, Music, Color Guard, and Percussion. And, out of thirty-two bands, they were awarded Grand Champion of the entire contest.
“The students said it felt like the State Marching Contest with all the good bands there,” said Christian Gomez, NLHS Color Guard instructor. “They really elevated their performances knowing that the competition was very intense.”
Finals placement from Sounds of Fall were North Lamar HS (first place), Reedy HS/Frisco (second place), Argyle HS (third place), followed by Melissa HS, Canton HS, Springtown HS, Kennedale HS, Queen City HS, Wills Point HS, Sanger HS and Anna HS.
To conclude their marching season, the band traveled to Mt Pleasant on October 17 to compete in the UIL Region 4 Marching Contest. The band was awarded ‘Superior’ ratings from all three judges, the highest score that can be given out by the judges.
“We were so happy with the students’ performances this year,” said Jones reflecting on the marching season. “They never let up and never let conditions or the competition get to them. They just went out and did their job. We are very fortunate to work with some of the best students in the state.”