L-K band earns first division rating

That Roarin Band from Tigerland came home with a three-peat! For the third straight year the Linden Kildare High School band earned a First Division rating at UIL Region marching contest.

Pine Tree High School hosted the annual event this year on Tuesday, October 12th. Eleven 2A bands participated but only five of them earned the top rating.

This means the band will repeat another recent success. Due to issues caused by covid last year, UIL will host state marching contest again this year. The First Division rating means the LK Band advances to UIL Area marching contest again. So the stage is set for them to go head-to-head with Clarksville, Cooper, Rivercrest, Deweyville, Frankston and Tenaha. Seven bands will compete but only three will advance to state.

“We’ve had several weak performances this year so I was worried. But the kids had their best run on the right day!” said LK band director Mr. Williams. When asked about Area contest he replied “Our competition is tough! We’ve got two weeks to improve but of course so do they. It will be a game of who can improve more and quicker.”

Flute soloist Josie Turner said “I believe we can advance if we get everybody on board.”

Senior clarinet player Alexus Davis expects the contest to be fun and exciting but competitive.

K’leigh Melton, a newcomer to the band late last year said “I don’t really know what to expect but I’m happy about it!”

UIL Area marching contest will be on Saturday, October 30th at Lindale High School. Performance times were not yet available at press time.