Roarin’ Tiger Band lands No.4-ranking at State
(Photo by John Krueger)
The members of the Tenaha Tiger Marching Band knew they had a long road ahead of them to make it to State competition this year. But the fourth-place finish at the State Finals in Class 1A on Tuesday showed the perseverance of the squad.
With record rainfall hampering practices, they only had three opportunities to march at football games. This, according to Band Director Rhonda Cates, is pertinent to mastering a performance. The band did, however, manage to perfect an outstanding performance that would catapult them to the State Contest held in the Alamodome in San Antonio this week.
Having secured a position in preliminary rounds by receiving straight 1’s at the Region 21 marching contest, held on Oct. 17 in Nacogdoches, and finishing in the top three during the Area C Marching Band Contest held on Oct. 24 in Longview, the Tiger band easily advanced to the final level of State competition.
Only sixteen bands battle it out to be called the best in Texas. Only seven would advance to the final rounds. Tenaha and Carlisle, two top bands in the district, would make the cut. They also happen to be the only Military style marching band to make the final round.
“The final round would prove to be the best performance for The Roarin’ Band from Tiger Land,” Cates stated. “[The band members] definitely saved their best for last.”
With a nearly flawless performance, they would finish fourth overall. Carlisle would come up in seventh place. Corps style bands Sundown, Forsan and Canadian would finish in the top three respectively.
“The Tenaha High School Band is like a machine in terms of precision and excellence,” stated judges. The Tenaha High School Band is the premier band of East Texas. With 68 members strong, they have proven that they are one of the best 1A bands in the state of Texas and the best Military Style marching band in Texas.
Under the proud leadership of Senior Drum Major Eddie Flores, the band completes a successful marching season.
Congratulations to the Tenaha Band directors, Rhonda Cates, Eric Sanford, and Kasi Trent.