Anderson High School’s band had an incredible season last fall. Long practices in the Texas heat and late nights out at Anderson football games paid off as they made it to the University Interscholastic League (UIL) state competition for the first time since 2010. The season held countless accomplishments for the students involved and left the school feeling an incredible amount of pride for its band.
The journey to state required dedication and rigorous practice for the students of the Anderson Band. In an interview, Ziv Sidel, the 11th grade drum major, highlighted that going into the year, he “didn’t even see state as a possibility” and that as the season progressed “everyone went all out, not only in performances but in practices as well”, which evidently paid off for them. When reflecting on his favorite memories from the eventful season, Sidel mentioned the moment where “the band’s name was called for area finals” and described how everyone was “smiling and laughing” and that “by the end of the season [he] was just happy to be a part of it all”.
The advancement to the state competition united Anderson students toward one common goal. Nathan Salisbury, an 11th grade trumpet player, mentioned how, in preparation for state, they “had rehearsals on the school’s turf when [they] normally didn’t due to sports teams practicing there.” The motivation enveloped the band as competition day approached. Salisbury stated that “knowing that performing at state could be their last time doing it gave people motivation”. He also said that one of the most important aspects of the performance was “the energy” they felt.
By the end of the season, the Anderson High School Band placed 22nd at state, bringing home a multitude of individual awards, which had not been accomplished in over 15 years. This revival of the band has awarded the school with an overwhelming amount of pride and a new drive for success moving forward. The Trojan band has inspired many this year and their community couldn’t be more proud and excited to see what they do next!
