Badgers Working To Win UIL State Marching Band Contest
September 20, 2018
The sound of music floats through the air as the LHS Badger Band practices late in the afternoon. As they march in formation, they silently count in their heads to the beat of the music. These students practice their show day after day, before and after school to perfect every motion for each performance. The Badger Band has always been a pride of Lampasas. Hours and hours of practice, sweat, and tears go into the award-winning shows they produce every year.
This year is a “state year” for the band students, which means that because the state of Texas is so large, the high school bands only get the chance to go to state every other year. The show that the band will put on this year is titled “The Adventures of Sinbad” and is themed after an ominous desert pirate. They plan to take this show all the way to state.
“Two years ago we made area finals for the first time and this year we have a big shot,” drum major and senior Kelly Ruperto said. “The band is working hard during every practice.”
Many band members claim they are optimistic about this upcoming season and believe they have a good shot at winning area and attending the state competition.
“I have more than enough confidence in our group’s ability to go above and beyond this year,” drum major and junior Miguel Cazares said. “Everyone is so connected and the energy and positivity radiating off the freshman alone truly makes me very happy.”
The freshmen also state that they are very excited to have the opportunity to go to state this year and will work hard to improve for the performance.
“Being a first year marcher is hard, even more so because it’s a state year and everyone depends on you to not only learn fast but play and march great,” freshman Jordan Plummer said. “I practice as often as I can which is often five hours a day. The show is coming together really fast, leaving time to focus on the little details. We have a great chance of making it to state because of this.”
The Badger Band will attend five competitions this year including state.
“As long as the band practices and continues to put all their effort during every rehearsal then our chances a state will be real high,” Ruperto said.