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MCDADE – The McDade High School marching band, under Band Director James Baker, have advanced to the University Interscholastic League State Marching Band Competition for the first time in program history.
The band from watermelon land competed at the district’s marching contest in Giddings Oct. 14. As a 1A band, they performed and received a division one rating, advancing them to the state 1A UIL marching competition, as the region doesn’t have a 1A area contest.
This marks the first time the high school has ever been eligible to compete at the state level for marching band.
Still a developing band, the school’s team has only competed in four UIL competitions.
Baker humbly credits his team’s success to the dedication of the band students. In addition to band camp and their daily class period, the students rehearse once per week outside of school.
The director also notes that the student leadership he incorporates is key to their success, able to delegate duties to pupils that are typically performed by adults at larger schools that have more band directors.
The program is unique in how young it is, with eighth graders quickly taught how to march the show, allowed to compete in 1A competitions. First year students make up about one third of the musicians in line, as well.
The 1A State UIL preliminary shows and finals are Nov. 7 at the Alamodome, 100 Montana St. in downtown San Antonio.
