Starting off an exciting day, the Westwood Warrior Marching Band was the first to perform in the UIL Area D preliminary competition this past Saturday, Oct. 29. This year, 28 bands spanning from Austin to San Antonio arrived at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex to compete for the five coveted spots to advance to the state competition on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

After their preliminary performance, the band placed ninth, meaning they had advanced to the finals round later that evening. After the finals round, the band jumped three places up to sixth. However, this placement still left them one spot away from making it to state.

“While it is disappointing that we didn’t make state,” Romtin Farsi ‘18 said. “I know that we were competing with a lot of great bands out there and we shouldn’t let this hold us back from improving and working hard for [Bands of America (BOA)] San Antonio this weekend.”

Most members of the band felt confident in their finals performance and knew that the countless hours of rehearsals leading up to this competition had paid off. UIL Area is the most anticipated competition of the year because it determines whether or not the band will reach their goal to make state for the second time.

“We were disappointed by the results but we gave two very special performances which is what we’re going to remember.” Drum Major Jack Scelsi ‘17 said.

In order to be ranked against one another, each band is judged by five people who each give them a score between 1 and 200. The higher the score out of 1000, the higher the placement of the band. The band was two points away from being ranked fifth and advancing to the state competition.

“It broke my heart to see the sadness in the faces of all the juniors and seniors,” Bella Cowart ‘19 said. “While all the sophomores and freshman have another chance, it still upset us to be so close to our goal. While we may not be going to state, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made as a band family this marching season this year and the all the memories that will stay with me.”

While the outcome of Saturday’s competition deeply upset the band, they are back on their feet and ready to compete in their last competition, BOA San Antonio, this Friday.

“I know that everyone put their all into our finals run, and to me that’s all that matters,” Ariel Sweet ‘17 said. “Hopefully we can use the frustration from not making state to motivate us for our last competition. The leaders are really focused on keeping a positive attitude going into this week so that we can end this marching season on a good note.”

The band is continuing to work hard and rehearse throughout this week as they come to the end of their marching season. While they may not have reached their goal at UIL Area, they have had a successful marching season and are proud of the product they have poured their heart into.

“The band gave an inspiring performance,” Band Director Jack Green said. “I’m so proud of our kids, but of course heartbroken at the same time. Those are two emotions that are a challenge to deal with but we have a big goal for this upcoming weekend and we look forward to it.”