After band members spent four months dedicating time, sweat, and unwavering effort into their competition show, the 2025 marching band season came to an end at the Bands of America (BOA) San Antonio Super Regional on Friday, Nov. 7 and Saturday, Nov. 8 in the Alamodome. The season had its ups and downs, but the growth and memories made along the way made it worth it for the band students.

Each year, the band has worked on improving in consistency and confidence, and this year’s show, entitled Red, has showcased their achievements. Students are working harder than ever and encouraging each other to be the best they can be.

“I think that there’s [less people in band], but the people who are here are more bought in and more excited to be here, working harder to be successful but also to be more inclusive,” Director of Bands Brittany Dacy said. “I think that’s been a huge push that our leadership team has made over the years, but I feel like this year they’ve especially made it happen. I feel like the people who are here feel like they are valued in a way they didn’t before but they’re also being held accountable for that. So, I think that also makes you feel valuable because you’re being held accountable.”

Although summer band practices began in late July, the official competition season started in September and kicked off multiple busy weekends of competing in Austin, Waco, and San Antonio. 

“My favorite competition experience was probably San Antonio. The hype at the end was really cool. To walk off the field and be able to just be happy with all the four years I’ve done was super cool.” Nghi Nguyen ‘26 said. “My favorite year was probably my junior year, the Timeless show, because that was the first year percussion was really good, and I think it was just a very special year.”

Aside from improving competition scores, members aimed to improve the culture and inclusivity of the band program this season. They made goals to have more social events, maintain better positive attitudes, and cultivate traditions.

“I think overall, the culture has just become a lot more tight knit,” Nguyen said. “People have been more willing to reach out to one another. I think it’s just become a lot more familial in that aspect. I know the [Band] Olympics really is a big event where everyone just gets to see one another. I think that’s a great event. And I think the events are especially good for people who just like to network.”

 As the marching season came to a close at BOA San Antonio, band members learned to not take for granted any performance and to cherish every moment. Even though the band placed 32nd at BOA San Antonio prelims, everyone, especially the seniors, walked away proud of their accomplishments.

“I think the band felt really confident after our run. There were a lot of really great moments and a lot of really strong individual performances across the board, and we’re just really proud of how our season ended,” Theo Wong ‘26 said. “Even though the results were slightly disappointing, I feel our band handled the situation quite well. I think most people felt pretty confident in the run, so even though the results weren’t exactly what we wanted, we were proud of each other, proud of the work we did, and we found satisfaction in our work.

The band’s winter concert performance will be on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at the Raymond E. Hartfield Performing Arts Center.