The Cooper High School marching band put the finishing touches on a terrific fall season with a fifth-place finish at the Area A UIL Marching Contest on Oct. 22 at Lowrey Field in Lubbock.
Cooper advanced to its second consecutive area contest thanks to a Division I (Superior) rating at the Region 6 contest at Abilene Wylie’s Hugh Sandifer Stadium on Oct. 17. Bands must receive a Superior rating in the region contest to advance to the area round.
The Abilene High School band marching season included Excellent ratings at the UIL Region contest and the Bands of America West Texas Regional Championship on Oct. 8 in Midland.
Cooper started its marching season on Oct. 1 at the Concho Classic Marching Contest at San Angelo Stadium where it received a Division I rating. The next week Cooper received another Division I and two group awards at the Big Country Marching Festival. Cooper earned Outstanding Percussion group in Class 5A and Outstanding Color Guard in 5A at the contest.
Those four contests – where Cooper received Superior ratings – capped off the program’s second fall season under Director of Bands John Landin.
“Our band has come a long way since we started back in July,” Landin said. “Every year begins with a new crop of freshmen and new leadership. It’s great to see our students work together to grow and learn how to endure the challenges that come with early morning rehearsals and late-night bus rides. It all pays off when they get to experience performing for audiences that love marching bands.
“Our region and area contest performances allowed our students to showcase their work, and I’m proud of our group this year,” he said. “They are excited to continue to improve on their placement, and our seniors have established expectations that will continue to challenge upcoming members for years to come.”
John Landin leads the Cooper band and is joined by assistant band directors Jessica Fox and Patrick Stevenson (percussion). Dr. Jonathan Kraemer directs the Abilene High band and is joined by assistant band directors Alanna Curley and Drew Young (percussion).
