AHS band competes at area contest

By Donnie A. Lucas

The Ragin’ Red Band traveled to Amarillo Saturday to compete in what is thought to be the first time in school history at the UIL Area Marching Contest.

While the band did not make the finals of the top 10 bands, the experience is considered very important.

“It was a good trip and a great learning experience for everyone,” director William Vaughan said. “The kids got to see the best bands in 2A in the state, and now they understand what it takes for the next level of competition.”

Vaughan said that the group marched a good show, although they were nervous at the beginning.

“All the rest of the 21 bands who were there had been to area before,” he said. “We were the smallest band and definitely the youngest.”

The majority of the band this year is composed of eighth and ninth graders, with a few sophomores, one junior, and one senior.

The band members earned the trip to area by being awarded a Division I for their performance at the East Zone Regional contest two weeks ago in Abilene.

That was the first time the band had made a Division I in over 20 years.

“The kids trusted in themselves and never gave up,” the director said. “They worked hard to get here and they now see how that can pay off.”

The band will now turn its attention to concert season with a Veterans Day program scheduled for Nov. 11 and the Christmas concert set for Dec. 9.

They will also be preparing for all-region auditions.

This is Vaughan’s second year as director, guiding the band to a Division II in marching last year along with Division I’s in both concert and sight reading. He is assisted by his wife, Danna.

— —