Friday, Nov. 14, 2008

Argyle Band Captures First 3A State Championship

By John English

Contributing Writer

The Argyle High School marching band captured its third state marching championship in school history on Nov. 4 and the first for director Kathy Johnson.

It was also the first state championship for the Eagle band in the 3A division, and Johnson said she could not have been happier with how things turned out.

"As far as our performances in the preliminaries and finals, we did a good job on both," Johnson said. "We had some things in prelims that were better than they were in finals, but we also had some things in finals than they were in prelims, so it kind of equaled out. But overall, by far, our finals performance was the best."

Johnson said the state marching championship means a lot for the band program at Argyle High School.

"It’s confirmation that you can set a goal at the beginning of the year and realize that goal," Johnson said. "I told the teachers and administrators this. The students set this goal, and they really didn’t let up.

"With this being such a long season and with all of the time we had put in, it could have been a very difficult year if the students had not been so self-motivated. They really pushed themselves, and it paid off."

Marcus Wins Second Consecutive State Marching Contest

The Marcus High School marching band won its second consecutive state marching contest last Tuesday, and director Amanda Drinkwater said it seemed that everything came together for the competition.

The Marauder band actually finished second at the region contest the week before to L.D. Bell, but the two bands flip-flopped positions at state.

"We are just over the moon," Drinkwater said. "There are just so many variables at play in these contests — the number of 5A bands, the judging panel, the weather, the performance draw and the fact that they are teenagers on the field ... for it to happen once is a lifelong dream, but then twice in a row is just inconceivable.

"We just feel so grateful that in our lifetime the kids’ efforts have been rewarded competitively, because there are so many wonderful groups that may not have a chance to experience that. We are beyond honored."

Marcus also won the state marching contest in 2006, and Drinkwater said both performances at this year’s competition were nearly flawless.

"We had a really fine prelims and finals performance," Drinkwater said. "I think each of them may have had small elements that may have gone slightly better, but both of them were really strong ... I think this championship impresses upon our students the value of their work ethic and the value of their commitment and dedication to the program."