NACOGDOCHES — The Longview High School Lobo Band earned a First Division rating from the entire judging panel to bring home its 70th consecutive SUPERIOR University Interscholastic League marching contest rating.
With the top honor, the Big Green Marching Machine maintains the state record for consecutive superior ratings in a state contest. LHS has been ranked First Division since the inception of the UIL.
Director of Bands Rhonda Daniel praised the discipline, perseverance, and hard work her young people demonstrated Oct. 19th at the regional competition in Homer Bryce Stadium, on the campus of Stephen F. Austin University.
'I couldn’t be more proud of how our students performed. We had high expectations for them, including challenging music and a complex drill design, and they rose to the occasion,' she said. 'The Lobo Band has a long-standing tradition of working hard and doing whatever it takes to put a quality performance on the field, leaving no doubt in any judge’s mind that we are first division.'
Achieving the highest levels of performance has been the focus since summer practices started in July, Daniel said, and it has paid off.
'We are blessed with talented students, wonderful parents, a hard-working band staff, and a school district that understands the importance of supporting its band,' she said.
Daniel added that these students 'are an example for us all.'
'Students of all races, ethnic background, social and economic status—all shapes and sizes working together for the greater good of their fellow students, their school and our community,' she said. 'They should make us all feel very blessed and proud to be a Lobo.'
The Longview High School Lobo Band specializes in military style marching that has distinguished them from other bands and has been a local tradition for more than 80 years. The 2019-20 band has 265 members and was the largest band at the contest.
In addition to the various group events, Longview High School band members compete at UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest and also audition for The Texas Music Educators Region, Area and State bands.
Assistant Band Directors Arri Moore, Leigh Ann Dixon, Nathan Wise, Randy Carpenter, and Suzanna Wise also help direct the Longview High School Lobo Band.
Longview ISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox said this achievement is not only a testament to the high quality of students and staff, but the many parents and community members who support this program.
'Our young people are able to excel because our entire community believes in and supports our students,' he said. 'The long hours put in my these students, their teachers, as well as the many parents and volunteers, is what keeps this tradition of excellence alive.'
'LISD Director of Bands Mrs. Rhonda Daniel has shown that there will be no slowing down, but that the Big Green Marching Machine is still going strong,' Wilcox added.
