It is an even year in December so it is showtime for the Kennedale Marching Wildcat Band at state finals in the Alamodome in San Antonio.
The biennial 4A State Marching Band Contest Finals for the Open Divison is set for Monday and Tuesday, December 14 and 15. Kennedale will be there. The event will be live-streamed but is also open to the public – see details below.
For a high school band to reach the finals it must be one of the top performers at region and area contests.
Background …
In odd years marching bands in the UIL Classification 1A, 3A, and 5A compete in their respective classification for the #1 spot. In even years such as this year, 2020, bands in the UIL Classes of 2A, 4A, and 6A compete.
There are two classes of performances that are judged in Class 4A, Military and Open. Kennedale performs in the Open class.
History …
- Marching state competition for 3A/4A bands did not start until 1983 in Texas.
- Canton with four and Argyle with four have won 8 of the last 9 titles in the 4/A Open Class. Paris North Lamar won the other. Canton won the last title in 2018.
- Kennedale has made 8 straight state finals including this year. The Marching Wildcats has been a top ten band the last three contests finishing #5 in 2014, #8 in 2016, and #5 again in 2018.
- Oktay has been the director for all of KHS band state final appearances.
This year …
There are 20 bands competing for the 4A title in the Open Class as in the past. The Military Class finals were held this past week with 11 bands performing for the Class 4A.
Performing along with Kennedale in the 4A Open Class this next week are Paris, Big Springs, Taylor, Geronimo Navarro, Canton, Burnet, Canyon, Bridge City, China Spring, Melissa, Hondo, Lake Belton, Argyle, Paris North Lamar, Andrews, Wills Point, Corpus Christi Calallen, Lumberton, and China Springs.
The 4A bands are set to compete this Monday, December 14. Kennedale will perform beginning at 8:02 pm. Results and awards will be made public at 10 pm. that evening.
The Alamodome and UIL will follow COVID-19 health and safety protocols, including requiring spectators to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing. Check the UIL State Marching Band Contest website for more information on the event.
Tickets
All Tickets are $20 per person per session and go on sale on Monday, December 7. No admission charge for children under 3.
Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to avoid congestion at the doors. The Box Office will open 75 minutes prior to first performance of the day and doors will open 45 minutes prior to the first performance in each session.
Tickets are available in advance through Ticketmaster. Be advised that a Ticketmaster-imposed service charge will apply.
Website: www.ticketmaster.com OR Phone: (800) 745-3000
Alamodome Clear Bag Policy
Covid-19 Safety Plan
Parking
Spectator parking will be in Lot C. The parking fee, as set by the City of San Antonio, is $15 (cash only). There are no re-entry privileges.
Live Stream
BOX5-TV powered by BOX5 Media has contracted with UIL to provide live streaming for the event. To access the BOX5 Media site for live streaming of the event, please click here.
View & download the 2020 UIL State Marching Band Championships Program here for free! http://adobe.ly/3qCYyFl
