(this is an archive story, refer to following byline for author name)
By Miguel Sesmas
For the last four years, The Fightin’ Bear Band has gone above and beyond trying to prove that they were a state qualifying band. This season, not only did the band prove that, but they also demonstrated their hard work and dedication all throughout their competitions.
“It’s great to be one of the directors who has to stay after our meeting to go over the finals instruction. Very proud moment for me and the staff,” Head Director Andrew Wlliams said.
At the Paluxy Valley Marching Contest, the band won first place in both prelims and finals. In prelims, they won best percussion and Drum Majors, and in finals, they won best guard and percussion.
“Any time there was a goal that I accomplished, others just kept building up. Band was just something I look forward to, and set good expectations for myself,” Senior Head Drum Major Jasmin Medina said.
At the AT&T Stadium Marching Contest, the band was first place in their division and second place overall with captions in Best Colorguard and Percussion in our classification. During finals, the band pulled through and made 1st place overall with captions in Best Music, Best Visual, and Best Percussion.
“I think we're in a great spot to continue to improve and we definitely achieved our goal for the year,” Senior Woodwind Section Leader Brennon Caraveau said.
At the Sound of Springtown Marching Festival, for the first time ever, the band made first place in their division and overall and earned Outstanding 5A Band, Outstanding 5A Drum Majors, Drumline Standstill 1st place, Color Guard Standstill 3rd place, 1st division, Outstanding Musical and Outstanding Visual Performance.
“The kids believe in themselves and what we are doing and have another level of confidence. The kids will work harder and be more focused now that they have experienced the achievement at the highest level,” Williams said.
For the 8th consecutive year, the band has made the highest rating at UIL earning all 1’s and advancing to AREA.
“After the last performance to see all of my classmates just as emotional and happy as I was, was just really spectacular to be a part of,” said Caraveau.
At the Birdville Marching Festival, the band was the top 5A, best 5A music, and fifth overall at the invitational.
“The Birdville Contest was a competition that we entered to prepare us for Area. We weren’t really looking to win, but seeing our competitors were great 6A bands, we gave it our all. When winning 5th place, we realized we were the best 5A band, beating other awesome 6A shows! It was a great accomplishment and something to be proud of!” said Medina.
At the UIL Area Marching Competition, during the preliminary round, the band placed 7 out of 22 bands and advanced to finals. During finals, the band moved up three places and placed 4th overall, which would have qualified them for state if it was a state year for 5A marching.
“Coming into the marching band as a freshman was something new. When we were at the UIL Area Marching band competition, and they announced Brewer High School for the finals run, everyone was rushed with emotions because we had made history. Ever since history was made in this band, all our band has done was push even harder to get to our goal, becoming a state-qualified band,” Medina said.