The Anthony Independent School District varsity band recently achieved a remarkable feat by securing their spot in the UIL Area Competition and making it to finals.
The journey to the UIL Area competition began with their outstanding performance at the UIL Region 22 Marching Competition on Oct. 14, where they received the coveted Division 1 rating. It was the first time since 2012 that the Anthony band earned a first division given all individual judges, according to Janella Saad, AISD Band Director.
The band’s Division 1 rating set the stage for what would become a remarkable season. After competing in the area competition on Oct. 21, the Wildcats were ranked by judges at an astounding 5th place out of 26 2A schools in the area competition. Since the top 10 bands make it to finals, the Wildcats secured their spot in the finals round scheduled for later that same evening.
“To our knowledge of Anthony High School history, the school has never made it to finals at an area contest, so it was really exciting,” Saad said.
The band had less than two hours to prepare for the final round. Emotions ran high as the Wildcats took the field.
“We were the first ones to perform in the finals. We were the smallest group at finals too,” Saad said.
“I told myself ‘This could be their last performance. Enjoy it’, so I just stood back and watched them. I was tearing up watching and listening to certain sections because they had made it really far,” Saad said.
The long hours of practicing before, during, and after school showed on the field as the Wildcats performed. As they hit the last note of their show – the sun began to set, giving the Wildcats a breathtaking golden hour for a beautiful memory together.
“When we came off the field, there was a beautiful sunset, and we were all in tears out of pride,” Saad said.
“I don’t think any of us thought we’d come this far,” said Johana Romero, Anthony Band Drum Major.
“Coming from a band that was always considered average, or even below average in previous years, it was surprising when we made it to finals. I was in tears after both performances because they were amazing,” Romero said.
Ultimately, when the final scores were tallied, the band secured the 10th position out of the 26 2A schools in the area. Only the top 5 make it to the state competition. Despite this, the band’s journey was nothing short of remarkable. Their perseverance, talent, and the support of their dedicated band director and staff have brought them far beyond their expectations.
“I’m really thankful for the staff that helped me elevate this group to a level that I don’t think I could’ve done by myself,” Saad said.
“To my students, I’m just very proud. I hope they know that if they set their minds to whatever it is that they want to do, and they work hard together, they will achieve it.”
Congratulations Wildcats Band! You guys did Amazing and you should be Proud of yourselves. Thank You Ms. Saad for your commitment and your hard work. Congratulations to our daughter Giselle, you are going far kid, we love you.👏🏽❤️🙏
You guys did amazing!!! Thank you Ms. Saad for been so committed to this band, you are making a big impact on our kids. Congratulations to my daughter Johanna!! So proud of you!❤️👋
Good band