The Blanco Panther Band traveled to Giddings High School on Saturday, October 20, to compete in the Texas University Interscholastic League Music Region 18/26 Marching Contest. Eight class AA high schools were competing in this contest for the coveted first division award and the biannual right to advance to the UIL Area D Marching Contest to be held in Belton on October 27. Three of the eight bands performing in Giddings earned a first division rating from UIL and advanced to the Area D Marching Contest.

For the fifth consecutive year the Blanco Panther Band scored first division ratings from all three judges and earned their first division trophy from UIL. Likewise, the Blanco High School Band earned the right to advance to the Area D Marching Contest in Belton. This will be Blanco High School’s third consecutive appearance at the Area marching Contest. The Panther Band has also advanced from Area to the UIL State Marching Contest in 2005.

The judges for the Giddings contest were George Strickland, assistant director of UIL Music for Texas, Jack Fariss – retired, and Robert Littlefield from Houston. The judges complimented the Panther Band on the mature tones that they produce, their excellent preparation for the contest, their marching skill, and their execution of the components of the music and the drill. They praised the band’s drill designs, soloists, auxiliary color guard, and the drum major. One judge even remarked that the Panther Band’s performance was cool! All three judges wrote that they enjoyed the show. The judges also gave needed suggestions for an improved performance at Area.

Congratulations to all the students of the Blanco Panther Band. Congratulations to David Shirk - Director, Jimmie Jones – Assistant Director, and Brandon Aly – Percussion.

The Panther Band will travel to Belton on October 27 where 24 AA bands will meet and compete to see which four bands will represent their high school at the UIL State Marching Contest at the Alamodome on November 5.

Congratulations again Panther Band! Take it “To the Top” Panther Band. Good luck at Belton.