On Saturday, November 2, the Wimberley High School marching band and color guard competed in the University Interscholastic League, or UIL, competition in the 4A, Area D marching contest and advanced to the area finals for the first time since 2018.
The WHS band earned a preliminary performance score for their 2024 Fall program, “La Rosa Ardiente,” to place 8th in the top 12, competing against 30 other bands. They were able to maintain their 8th place rank in the finals round. The top six bands in Area D will compete at the state finals at the Alamodome in San Antonio on November 13.
Judges Brant, Grant, Wallis, Jenkins and Wallace evaluated the band and color guard’s music and visual performances to award them the 8th place slot. The color guard interprets the music that the band or drum line is playing with the synchronized spinning of flags, sabers, mock rifles, costumes, or dance. Despite the WHS team’s small membership following the retirement of its previous director, the current guard enhances the performance of the band by adding a critical visual component. WHS Band Director John Winebrenner said “the color guard is the icing on the cake.”
The band started the day with a sendoff at Wimberley Ace Hardware and arrived at Pflugerville’s Pfield ready to perform in the early afternoon. Despite cloudy skies and high humidity, the band and color guard turned out a top-notch performance. While waiting for results, they celebrated Winebrennar’s birthday at Gattitown Pizza.
After being selected to perform first in the finals rounds, the band was heavily rained on during its warm-up practice. Several instruments suffered water damage during the downpour, but thanks to the kindness of other band programs, they were able to borrow instruments for their performance.
In addition to Winebrenner, the WHS Band Assistant Directors are Adam Apolinar and Reese Spano. Drum Majors are Avery Knight and Eamon Gallagher.
According to an Instagram posting, “The band had the best performance of the season out on the field for finals. It was a wonderful sight (and sound!) Overall, we maintained our spot at 8th and have never felt so proud. The band made history this Saturday and will be striving for much higher next year. What a way for our seniors to spend their last area competition.”
