Staff Writer Madeline Kempf
Advancing to the State competition, the Claudia Taylor Johnson Marching Band made finals at the UIL Area D competition for their first time. Placing sixth in the preliminary competition, the band advanced to finals for the very first time. From there, they placed third overall and advanced to state. The competition featured over 30 bands from surrounding regions and with only 10 finals spots, the expectations were set extremely high.
“Honestly, I expected us to make finals but I wasn’t sure we’d get in the top six, which we needed to advance to state so the outcome was a surprise,” sophomore Raquel Kimm said.
Even with weeks of rehearsal under their belt, the band didn’t know what to expect as the results were announced. Other high schools such as Ronald Reagan and Winston Churchill were in attendance at the competition as well, so as the announcer stated, “C. T. Johnson” for third place, the jaguar section of the stands suddenly erupted in applause.
“At first, I didn’t know what was going on and as soon as I found out, I exploded with happiness,” Kimm said.
After many intense rehearsals and unrecorded hours off the clock practice, this placing is an incredible accomplishment for each member of the Johnson band.
“[It] means that everything were doing is worth it. We’ve worked countless hours and the best outcome of this was to advance to state and we did it.”
On Tuesday, November 2, the band will be competing at the UIL State competition at the Alamodome. With so many other top class bands competing, the Jaguar Band had no idea of what the outcomes will result in. Not to mention, the band will compete this evening in another round of Bands of America competition at the Alamodome after having advanced in that arena as well.
“I’m not really sure of what to expect. I’m hoping maybe we can find our way into the top finals but I’m not sure.”
As the band nears the end of it’s season, they hope to finish on a high note as they go into their final competition.
“I’m just looking forward to seeing other bands there and being in the competition so they know we’re in their league with the top bands.”
featured photo courtesy Cindy Gower from BOA competition
