Nathan Straus Photo The Brownsboro High School Band has earned its 11th consecutive First Division rating at UIL On Saturday, October 18, 2008, the Brownsboro High School Band earned their 11th consecutive First Division (Superior) rating at U.I.L. The Marching Contest was held at Stephen F. Austin's Homer Bryce Stadium. The band received a First Division, which is the highest possible rating, from all three judges.

The BHS Band's drill incorporated a variety of fundamental military marching maneuvers, executed while playing the following: "A Festival Prelude" by Alfred Reed, "Queen City" by W.H. Born, "Golden Bear" by J.J. Richards, and "The Cathedral Chorus" from Slavonic Folk Suite by Alfred Reed.

The three distinguished judges for this year's contest were: Val Rose of Nederland, Jim Blacksher of Houston, and Dr. Jerry Payne of Marshall. Some of their comments were: "Very musical job today," "Good characteristic tone production from all players," "Band has fine stride and carriage," "Nice balance and blend," "Excellent commitment to fundamentals, " and "Congrats, you are a beautiful band with good sounds."

This past Saturday, October 25th, the band moved on to the next level of competition in UIL, the Area C UIL marching competition held at Longview's Lobo Stadium. Eighteen bands from North of the Houston area all the way up to the Red River region of East Texas met to compete headto head for a chance to go to the State Marching Contest held in San Antonio. The Brownsboro Band was named as an Area Finalist and got to march in the finals for the first time in Brownsboro's history. Brownsboro placed 6th in the finals. Moving on to the State finals were: New Boston, North Lamar, and Atlanta.

Preparation for these contests began in August with summer band rehearsals, where students were taught basic military marching fundamentals, and the marching music was first introduced. Aside from their daily class period rehearsals, the students had one three-hour rehearsal every Monday. Military marching, when executed correctly, requires a great deal of self-discipline and maturity, as well as pride and dedication. Mr. Jeff Russell, director of the Brownsboro High School Band, had these words: "I am very proud of how far our kids have come this year. The students this year have made more improvement, since the beginning of summer band, than any group I have ever had. It is a huge honor to be associated with this great bunch of students. Our parents and community have been represented to the highest standards. I really just can't express in words how proud I am of these students and their performances. "

Band members are:

Adair, Zach; Alford, Ashleigh; Anderson, Melody; Andreason, Hayden; Baker, Alyx; Barroso, Jauquin; Barta, Ashley; Bartmess, Emily; Beall, Colton; Blakely, Danielle; Boozer, Callie; Bundy, Camilla; Bynum, Brooke; Bynum, Danielle; Carnes, Chase; Carter, Cashay; Chambers, Sage; Cliver, Kasey; Conde, Asbaldo; Conner, Jimmy; Conner, Jordynn; Conway, Alex; Covington, Kamron; Cramer, Taylor; Cruz, Andrew; Davenport, Leslie; Dawson, Jennifer; Dunklin, Alex; Dunklin, Jay.

Also: Durham, Emily; Edwards, Ryan; Ellison, Jorgia; Flynn, Jordan; Fowler, Chelsey; Gallegos, Amelia; Gilpin, Charles; Gomez, Antonio; Gonzales, Abril; Graham, Logan; Gray, Hailey; Griffin, John; Griffin, Kate; Hargrave, Holly; Hawkins, Daniel; Head, Kelsey; Head, Quinton; Hogue, Sarah; Holden, Briana; Horton, Hailey; Hunter, Thornton; Ibarra, Stacey; Icenhower, Nelson; Johnson, Clint; Kiker, Justin.

Further: King, Weston; Lauer, Lester, Harley; Linzy; Lento, Bradley; Lough, Mallorie; Lough, Matthew; Lough, Megan; Martin, Alexander; McCallie, Jordan; McCullough, Logan; McCune, Jonathan; McGaughey, Kaylan; McKenzie, Tynesha; McLean, Krystopher; Mendoza, Helmer; Michaux, Megan; Miller, Carrie; Miller, Jacob; Miller, Jeremy; Owen, Allison; Pace, James; Palomo, Petra; Parker, Amanda; Parker, Brooke; Parker, Kelsey; Payne, Justin; Perry, Macy; Pollard, Macy; Radford, Chris; Radford, Jonothan; Rambin, Hope; Reid, Ryan; Robles, Jose; Rose, Kyle; Ruble, Cortney; Scheen, Brittanie; Scott, Jessica.

Also: Seagroves, Amber; Sewell, Rhett; Smiley, Jeff; Smith, Haley; Smith, Tanner; Smith, Wesley; Stewart, Brooke, Storr, Tevin; Strait, Michael; Suggs, Haley; Taylor, Jacalyn; Tetrick, Jackson; Thomas, Jordan; Thornton, Tarah; Tran, Elizabeth; Tustison, LeeAnn; Vause, Justin; Volentine, Trey; Wallace, Selina; Warren, Gregory; Watters, Heather; Weaver, Brittany; Wynn, Lee.

The Brownsboro High School Band is directed by Jeff Russell, and assisted by Michelle Stuckey, Steve Wise, and Alice Slayton.