Last night, I was given the opportunity to watch Hitchcock High School’s band rehearse for UIL contest. They are doing some great things and there is a lot of great teaching going on there. Three weeks ago, I had the same opportunity with the Stafford High School band. They are doing some great things and again, a lot of great teaching happening.
Tomorrow is the day which I affectionally call Super Saturday. It is usually the third Saturday in October where the vast majority of marching bands (I think over 80% of them) in the state of Texas go to their regional marching evaluation. I always preferred this contest as it is not for placement. It is whether or not you have reached the standard of what is expected. Many bands will and others will not but will have the opportunity to know what they need to do to improve and that was the original plan of UIL. Nothing against the area and state rounds which are a different type of contest but the region contests are what determines whether you band is on the right track or not. And, without a superior rating, there is no area or state. More groups will feel good about what they have done and the efforts they put into it as opposed to the one winner or small group that advances.
I will be at my usual place at Ricebird Stadium in El Campo for the Region 13 2A-4A contest. I have 20 bands that I wrote for throughout the state that go tomorrow. For those groups and to all the groups who go tomorrow, best wishes!
