NLHS Band And Blue Diamonds Place Fourth At State Marching Contest

The North Lamar High School Band and Blue Diamonds ended the 2021 marching season ranked as the fourth-best band in the state of Texas at the UIL State Marching Contest at the Alamodome in San Antonio on Wednesday, November 10.

This year’s show, Polarity, was designed by Band Director Jason Smith. It was the eighth consecutive trip to the state marching contest for the Panther Band. To advance to the state contest, the band received superior ratings at the regional level on October 12 and placed first at the area level on October 30 with straight first-place rankings from all judges.

Smith said, “We knew we were sixth overall after prelims, but with such an early prelim performance, we felt like the students had it in them to pull it up to another level. They were focused and wanted to put on a great performance in finals, and they did. We were all impressed with the performance they gave, and it moved them up to fourth overall.”

Head Band Director Randy Jones said, “Earning fourth overall out of 188 schools in Class 4A in the state of Texas is such a huge success. The support from the community, students at the high school, teachers, and parents have been so overwhelming. We were so proud of them.

These students work so hard and sacrifice so much that it has been humbling to see how our students have been lifted up and celebrated.”

Randy Jones, Jason Smith, Percussion Director Ryan Sheffield, directs the band, and Color Guard Director is Terri Marchan. Drum majors are Bonnie Dong, Isla Taber, and Joseph Franklin. Color Guard Captain is Brylea Moody; Emily Perez is Assistant Captain.