This past Tuesday saw two bands from Hockley County marched their way to silver and bronze medals at the Alamodome in San Antonio at the 2A State Marching Band Championships.
The Ropes Soaring Eagle Band was named state championship runner up, bringing home the silver, under the direction of band director Nora Brazil, along with Scoggins and Jay Sedberry. Sundown was third in the final rankings, earning bronze medals under the direction of band director for is Justin Mauldin, assisted by Ashley Blount, middle school band director, Michael Watts, Amber Mauldin, color guard instructor, Tristan Nock, batter percussion instructor, and John Rogers, pit percussion instructor.
Rivercrest High School won the state championship.
The preliminary round was held on Tuesday morning with the top 15 2A bands in the state taking the field to bring their music and choreography to judges, fans and family.
Other schools represented in the prelims were Brackett HS, Tenaha HS, Shiner HS, Bangs HS, Santo HS, Italy HS, Ganado HS, Cisco HS, Cooper HS, Louise HS, Rosebud-Lott HS and Lockney HS.
Sundown and Ropes made the final cut and would join Cooper, Rosebud-Lott, Shiner, Lockney and Rivercrest later that evening for the march to the finish line. Both bands gave brilliant performances and climbed to the top ranks of three best in the state.
Under the three music judges, Ropes scored 1, 3, 2, and the two visual judges gave them 2, 2. Judging for Sundown in music was 4, 2, 4, and visual was 4, 4.
As the marching season ends, the music practice and hard work continues as bands prepare for concerts and UIL competitions. Competitive indoor seasons begin with many students auditioning for Region Band.
The Ropes and Sundown bands are a part of Texas’ deep musical traditions, from country roots and mariachi to worldclass high school marching bands. Both are among the many high school bands gaining national recognition for their musical precision, performance quality, and championship titles. Each year, thousands of students participate in high school music education programs that deliver unforgettable halftime shows and awardwinning concert performances.
Sundown High School takes great pride in its 130+ member band, which is made up of students in grades 812, and has earned 38 consecutive Sweepstakes awards, and made 29 appearances at the Texas State Marching Contest, winning the state title in 2024, the 8th championship in program history.
Ropes and Sundown bands excel due to a combination of factors including dedicated, talented students, the schools investing in music programs, exceptional directors and choreographers, booster clubs and the pride and support from the community.