Band starts contest season

The Battlin’ Bear Band competed in its first contest, the Small Town Big Sound Marching Festival, on Saturday, Sept. 24 in Friendswood. The band, which was the only 4A school competing in this pre-UIL contest, placed 14 out of 18, beating three 5A schools and one 6A school.

“The band as a whole did really great for our first contest of the season,”  junior drum major Bayleigh Swanton said. “I think the band learned that we will always have something to work on.”

The band’s 2016 performance show is titled Da Vinci’s Playlist and includes works from pop artist Lucas Graham, grammy-winning American composer Eric Whitacre, and much more. The show has four movements with a different book prop for each one. Some of the props include the Mona Lisa, Vitruvian Man, and The Last Supper.

“It’s a modern twist on Da Vinci’s work and the music he would have listened to while painting and working.” Swanton said.

The band works for many hours each week in preparation for contests.

“We prepare for UIL contest by working bell to bell during school, working hard on marching and music after school, and by even having student led sectionals,” Swanton said. “Every section works hard individually so that when we have cleaning sectionals, which is when we run one set over and over, they are ahead of the game.”

The band’s goals for the season include not only doing well at contests, but reaching their full potential and putting on the best show they can every time they perform. For Swanton, who conducts the band during practices and performances, she hopes to be the best leader she can be and keep a positive attitude for the band.

“Positive attitudes constantly make an impact when reaching our goal and always pushing ourselves as individuals farther than we think we can go,” Swanton said. “Although it’s nerve-wracking, I love conducting at performances. Being able to do this is something I’ve wanted since my freshmen year.”

The band will compete at the Bridge City Marching Contest on Oct. 8 and the following week will compete at the Region Marching Contest. The region contest is their first UIL contest of the season. They must make a rating of one to advance to the Area contest and do well at Area to go to the State marching competition.