A return trip to state is the goal …
A week ago Saturday, the KHS Marching Band performed at a pre-UIL showcase and returned with a 1st Division decision. KHS posted the following congratulations.
“Congrats to our outstanding students! The band received a first division trophy from the judges tonight and a 4th place finish! – The Sounds of Springtown Marching Showcase, November 7, 2020.”
At the Springtown festival, there was 15 high school band representing schools from Class 2A through Class 5A. Kennedale finished in fourth place behind 4A Argyle, 5A Brewer and 4A Springtown.
This was a good lead into the first UIL contest of the year, a contest that leads eventually to the UIL State Marching Championships in San Antonio set later this year in December. Normally, the KHS Band would participate in several of these warm-up contest but not in this pandemic year. This would be their one and only one.
And again …
This past Saturday, the Wildcats performed at the first of the UIL competitions, the Region 30 UIL Music 2A – 6A Marching Contest. KHS posted the following late Saturday.
“Congratulations to the Kennedale Wildcat Marching Band, who received straight Division I ratings at the UIL Region 30 Marching Contest and qualified for the UIL Area D Marching Contest in Hayes Consolidated ISD.”
Another 1st Division award – why is this a big deal?
Kennedale is one of the premier bands in Class 4A. Every other year, for the top bands in Class 4A, there is the opportunity to compete for the title of the top band in the State of Texas. Just the opportunity to reach that level of competition is an honor in itself.
Kennedale long ago shattered that honor. Kennedale has made the state finals 7 straight times over the past 15 years. The last three times, the KHS Marching Wildcats finished as one of the top 10 finalists and two of those as the 5th place band in the state in for Class 4A.
This year the state 4A contest is scheduled for December 14, 2020, at the Alamodome, San Antonio, TX.
A trip to state has to be earned each and every time …
But, the Marching Wildcats have to earn their way back – reputation means nothing if the performance doesn’t measure up. The Cats have passed the first contest and will get to move to the next level, the area contest. Success there will mean an invite to the big dance in the Dome.
Erol Oktay is in his 19th year as KISD Director of Bands. Josie Inman is Assistant Band Director for the past 4 years.
Find out more about the KHS Band Program and new staff members here.
