Ragin’ Red Band earns Division II rating

The Albany Ragin’ Red Band received an overall Division II rating Monday, Oct. 20, at the UIL Region 6 Marching Contest at Shotwell Stadium in Abilene. 

The 40-member band, directed by Jessica Watkins with assistance from Riley Lusk, performed its 2025 show titled Ancient World, composed by Carol Brittin Chambers. The production explores the culture and music of the Byzantine Empire, featuring props that help bring the theme to life on the field.

Watkins said the band performed at 4:45 p.m. on a hot and windy afternoon. “The kids pushed through a tough day and did really well,” she said. “We came away with a 1, 2, 2 for an overall rating of a 2, which is an improvement from last year.”

She added that the judges were complimentary of the band’s sound and musical performance. “They said our tone and music were strong, but we had some marching mistakes that have never happened before,” Watkins explained. “When you have a band as small as ours, the judges have plenty of time to watch every person — and if someone is off even just a little bit, they’ll see it every time.”

With marching season wrapping up, Watkins said the band will continue to perform at football games while also shifting focus to concert season. The Ragin’ Red Band will play at the Veterans Day program at Albany High School, followed by the annual Christmas concert on Thursday, Dec. 11.