Lights shine as the crowd goes wild. Satisfied smiles pass around, knowing that the performance went well. The steady click of the drum guides everyone off of the field. The band has had an extremely successful marching season. They have made history and raised the standard for bands to come.

The band competed in four total competitions: High Plains Marching Competition, Region Marching Competition, Area Marching Competition and State Marching Competition. They received second place at the High Plains Marching and received all ones at the Region Marching Competition. They earned second place at Area Marching Competition, which advanced them to the State Marching Competition where they placed 36. 

“This marching season for the Amarillo High Band has been a monumental moment in time for not only the school district’s history, but also the band’s history,” Assistant Director Dakota Lancaster said.

The band first made State 1998, which held the record as the only time the band has made it to the State competition. This year, the band made history by advancing for the second time in 27 years.

“I felt very positive about the season, and I was glad to see so much growth collectively and individually,” Head Director Robert Hinds said.

All of the accomplishments that came about this season required a lot of hard work. The beginning of the season technically started on August 28 with the start of summer band, but leadership had already met and prior short camps had also taken place. Even with all that practice, road bumps did occur.

“I think as we started the marching season, there were some minor growing pains with certain changes such as a different marching technique, different show demands and a different style of music,” Lancaster said.

The band has also experienced many leadership changes. Lancaster became a director here last year, and Jesse Switzer became a director this year. However, these changes ended up helping the band in more ways than one.

 “I have had great experiences at the State Marching Contest with previous bands I have worked with, but the experience with Amarillo High tops them all,” Lancaster said.

The students also made the change allowing them to make it to State. The hard work and passion they had this year truly pushed the show to perfection.

“This marching season showed a huge shift in culture and discipline that allowed us to progress further into the competition process,” band president Justin Luong said.

The band achieved their goal of making it to State, which now makes way for new goals and expectations that they will surely surpass in time. 

 “These changes were what really mattered, and I know the Golden Sandie Band will continue growing even stronger in the future,” Justin said.