From the sweltering heat of a Texas July to the flash floods that spilled in late October, Titan Band’s hard work payed off as they earned a spot at the 2015 UIL State competition in San Antonio. The band has worked hard, dedicating their time in preparation for this competition. They received straight ones, the highest rankings one can get, at UIL that qualified them to advance on to Area competition. At Area the grand Titan Band was ranked first in prelims and first in finals overall granting them a spot in San Antonio.

Early November second the band filled close to seven charter buses and headed down to San Antonio to prep for the competition that took place on November 3. Eight o’clock sharp the band performed an outstanding, jaw-dropping performance in prelims that lead them to finals. At 11 p.m. the band performed once again to for overall results.

After hours of waiting anxiously for the band’s comments on how they think they did and for results that were announced around one a.m. on Wednesday morning, the Mighty Titan Band placed 9th in the state.

We talked with a few band members to catch the essence of the trip to state.

Take us through your first moments. What did you see? What were you hearing? How did all this make you feel?

“The first thing I saw was the press box and all of the judges. I wanted to throw up, my heart was visibly pumping out of my chest.”

-Mia Swanson a sophomore Color Guard member

What was happening in the stands when prelims results were being announced? How did the band react?

“In my row, we all linked hands and you could see every band kid leaning forward in their seats when our name was announced, we erupted in happiness.”

-Ritika Bais a sophomore Color Guard member

What was your experience at state like?

“It all happened so fast I’m surprised it’s already over.”

-Hannah Olander a junior Color Guard member

Describe state in 3 words

“Rewarding, exhilarating and exhausting”

-Alice Chibnall a senior Baritone Section Leader

“Wonderful, stressful and memorable”

–Ritika Bais a sophomore Color Guard member

Tell us how you’ve grown due to this experience.

“I have a new found appreciation for this band program, the hard work that is put into it, and the people that I marched on the field with and alumni cheering us on in the stands.

-Alice Chibnall a senior Baritone Section Leader

What were the first thoughts when your performance was over?

“That was so worth it”

-Hannah Olander a junior Color Guard member

“We’re so good. I was crying”

-Mia Swanson a sophomore Color Guard member

“Oh my gosh did I really just perform at state in the Alamodome”

-Bailey Blessing a freshman Color Guard member

As the band returned to school they were welcomed with open arms and celebrated the following days.

Gallery • 8 Photos

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Kendall Bowser with her dad after returning from San Antonio. (Photo By Emma Bittner)