Band earns top ratings, advances to area
By Donnie A. Lucas
The Albany Ragin’ Red Band was the lone Class 2A band to earn a Division I rating at the Region 6 UIL Marching Contest held Monday at Wylie High School in Abilene.
The band also fulfilled the goal of earning Division I ratings from all three judges, one of just five bands to receive “straight ones” among the 17 bands of all classifications that marched Monday in Abilene.
“Our goal since the beginning of the season in August was to earn three Division I’s – to have a clean sheet,” director William Vaughan said. “The judges said the band moved well, sounded great, and had good energy.”
Albany will now advance to the area marching contest at Lowery Field in Lubbock on Saturday, Oct. 29. The group is expected to march second at either 9:20 a.m. or 9:35 a.m.
A total of 24 bands within the West Texas area received Division I ratings at the regional level and are advancing to compete in Lubbock. Only the top four will qualify to compete at the state marching contest in San Antonio on Nov. 8-9.
“The kids had a great run,” the director said. “They were a little timid when they marched in the Wylie Festival the week before, but they looked like pros Saturday and treated this contest like a job. Other bands noticed and were watching us.”
The band earned Division I last year for the first time in many years but scored a combination of two ones and one two from the judges. The group went on to earn Division I ratings in concert and sight reading in March 2022 to earn the first sweepstakes award in 40 years.
“We met our goal of straight ones and qualifying for area, so it is now up to the kids how they compete at Lubbock,” Vaughan said. “We will be adding some general effects such body movements and poses, which you need to do to get to state. This will be something new we haven’t touched on before, but you have to add things to be competitive at this point.”
The band’s contest show is entitled “Shine,” with music arranged by Luke McMillan and marching drills by Rodney Gurley.
This is Vaughan’s third season to direct the Ragin’ Red Band. His wife, Danna, serves as the assistant director.
