Baird High School Band Makes History by Advancing to State Finals

Posted Date: 11/14/2023

The UIL State Marching Contest was first held in 1979. The Baird Bear Band has advanced three times to compete in this event as shown below.  Along with the qualification year, the marching show title, composer and final rank is listed. 

2019 – El Dorado – by Barry Hurt

• Ranked 13th at the State Marching Contest

2021 – The Creature – by Luke McMillan

• Ranked 10th at the State Marching Contest

2023 – Beyond the Looking Glass – by Eric Rath

• Ranked 7th at the State Marching Contest
• Advanced to finals for the first time in school history.

Qualification for the State Marching Contest consists of earning a  superior rating at the UIL Region Marching Contest and ranking in the top three of all 1A’s at that event.  Adjudicators use a rubric to determine if a band has met the requirements of a superior rating.  Judges evaluate instrumental tone, tuning, technique, phrasing, ensemble balance, dynamics, and articulations.  They also take into consideration marching fundamentals, uniformity, and the content of the performance.

Our music region is host to one of the largest groups of 1A’s in the state.  This year all three bands from our region advanced to finals at the State Marching Contest, which underscores the quality of those programs.  The Baird Band has consistently earned a first division at the region marching contest the last six years.  In the past the state contest has only been held on odd years.  A recent change gives us the possibility to advance every year if we continue in our current path.  We are excited and looking forward to what the future brings to the band program.