They may not have walked away from the state UIL marching band contest with awards this past weekend, but White Oak and Union Grove high school band members have plenty to be proud of, school officials say.
After earning first-division ratings during a regional competition in October, the bands advanced to a state competition Monday in San Antonio. Each competed in a semifinals round, missing an entry into the finals by one point.
"We feel disappointed, but real proud," said Mark Melton, Union Grove band director. "The kids performed very well."
Bands were judged on a variety of aspects, including uniformity of posture, consistency and execution of pivots and turns.
Union Grove and White Oak — each traditional military marching bands — competed against other types of bands, including corps-style bands.
Still, students shouldn't dwell too long on the loss. Union Grove has drummed up plenty of awards this year, Melton said.
The band was ranked best in class during the Gilmer Yamboree. It also was named outstanding band in the 2A Class during the Association of Military Bands Marching Contest on Saturday at Stephen F. Austin State University, Melton said.
"It's been a great fall for us."
White Oak band students have a different reason to celebrate — it's the first time the school has advanced to the state competition.
"We're proud of them," said Michael Gilbert, White Oak Independent School District superintendent. "We're very excited about this."
