For the first time since 1998, the Amarillo High School Marching Band will compete in the State Marching Competition at San Antonio on November 10.

 “It is an accomplishment that they can be proud of for a long time to come,” Assistant Band Director Jesse Switzer said.

At the previous qualifying Area competition, the band placed second, earning them a spot in the state-wide competition. Countless hours of work went into this achievement. 

“The band has been practicing since late July learning music and drill as well as choreography to go along with the drill,” Switzer said. “They have had 7 a.m. rehearsals on just about every day of the week as well as having an after school rehearsal one day a week.”

Many improvements had to happen from years prior to make this happen. 

  “This year the band has improved their mindset,” drum major Uriel Vouffo said, “We have been able to obtain a higher level of focus more consistently to our music and our drill, and that has made all the difference.”

The practice, improvements and pure skill pushed the scores from fifth place in pre-eliminations to second place in finals.

“I am extremely impressed and immensely proud of the band and their dedication this year,” head drum major Peyton Oden said.

The band has a couple goals for the competition; however, the main goal consists of having a good time while performing the best they can.

“Whether that lands us in finals or not, it will hopefully say that we’re here to stay and compete for years to come,” Peyton said.