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Band students stand beside each other after their Area competition for UIL on Oct. 28, 2023. Tiger Band placed ninth in the competition.

While the stadium calms down, eager bands wait for their results, their hearts pounding out of their chests in the stands. The bright lights illuminate the drum majors’ faces. The announcer announces the results as the Tiger Band claps with excitement.

As marching season comes to an end, the Tiger Band reaches their most important competition: Area. This Competition is one of the toughest competitions for the band, as they’re competing against 16 other schools. 

On Oct. 28, the band competed in the UIL Area C 5A Marching Contest at Mesquite Memorial Stadium. The band competed against multiple other bands and finished in the top 10.

“I was so glad to make finals again,” senior percussionist Ryan Walker said. “I thought our prelims run was alright and I knew there were minor changes we could make to help improve for finals.”

For the second year in a row, the Tiger Band made Area finals and placed ninth overall. Marching in their show, Liquid Gold, the band won a total of seven awards. The band has put in several hours of work since late July to work up to this very moment. Filled with excitement from Saturday, everyone returned to school on a high note.

“I was really sad but also so happy at the same time,” senior drum major Kady Russell said. “I was so sad that I had to say goodbye to marching with all of my friends but I was happy that we did it all together.” 

Seniors of the band left with excitement as they finished their last meet. A bittersweet feeling filled the air as most members marched since the sixth grade. 

“Makes me want to cry [that the seniors are leaving],” head band director Arnie Lawson said. 

Lawson shed tears as he was so proud of his band. There were multiple hugs, laughs shared, tears and most importantly, proud families. As everyone else was celebrating, the band directors stepped back and took in the moment. 

Directors taught students leadership skills along with watching them grow throughout the years.  

“I always miss my senior band students,” assistant band director Steve Bennet said. “They play a major role in the success of the program and that leadership will be missed.”