Each year, bands from around Round Rock showcase their hard work in one intense and epic show. This year was the 16th annual Festival of Bands, featuring both middle school and high school bands performing everything they had worked on so far this year.

The Westwood Warrior Band began by going straight into their warm up, as they were the first high school band to perform. Shortly after the first two middle school bands performed (which included the Westwood feeder school, Canyon Vista), the band performed their show entitled “Let Me Fall.” The show’s storyline follows the exhilarating experience of flying a hang glider.

“The thing that I like about the show this year is that it really captures the spirit of flying and you get that sensation as the show takes off,” Brandon Lao ‘16 said.

At Festival of Bands, the band performed the first three (of four) parts of the show. It started with a slow part, featuring the piece “October” by Eric Whitacre, followed by “Hummingbrrd” a quick and hectic piece by Steven Bryant. The performance ended with a smooth piece “Let Me Fall,” giving the band’s show its name.

“My favorite part of the show is part two (Hummingbrrd) because it is fast and very fun to play,” Philip Snider ‘19 said.

The band had a great run at the stadium, and ended with thunderous applause from the parents and students at the stadium. Their performance had set a high standard for the rest of the night. The band had worked hard for months, and their work showed at this performance.

“I think our performance at Festival of Bands was a lot better than the one at BOA, and it really shows how much we have improved in such a short time,” Freshman Representative Ani Sreeram ‘19 said.

The marching band exited the field wearing smiles of pride, knowing that they had just completed a fabulous performance. They headed up into the stands to watch and listen to the following bands, cheering for the other schools.

Last year, the Westwood Warrior Band had placed thirteenth in the state. This year, they will do just as well. After the fabulous performance, the Warriors knew that they had done a great job, this show just as good as the one before. As they continue to rehearse day after day, they get better and more ready for their next great performance.