The McCallum band has advanced to finals for the first time since 2021 and the fourth time advancing to finals in school history. This is their sixth appearance at the state competition, having previously made it in 1979, 1980, 2005, 2017, 2019 and 2021. They made it to finals in 1979, 1980 and 2021, placing second, third and sixth, respectively. All of these appearances were under the direction of Carol Nelson.

After the band’s preliminary performance, in an interview broadcast on the Alamodome videoboard, senior drum major Sara Hamlet said that having a director with a long history at McCallum makes her want to work even harder.

“Honestly it’s a privilege, and knowing there’s somebody out there teaching us with that much experience and contacts and dedication, it makes me feel more dedicated and want to excel at what I do,” Hamlet said.

The band is one of 12 bands out of a total of 38 to advance to the 5A finals. The full schedule can be found below or the UIL website:

2:00 p.m. – Opening ceremony

2:15 p.m. – Aledo HS

2:30 p.m. – McCallum HS

2:45 p.m. – Richland HS

3:00 p.m. – Lone Star HS

3:15 p.m. – Burleson Centennial HS

3:30 p.m. – Jack C. Hays HS

3:45 p.m. – Break

4:00 p.m. – Rouse HS

4:15 p.m. – Leander HS

4:30 p.m. – Cedar Park HS

4:45 p.m. – Lebanon Trail HS

5:00 p.m. – Wakeland HS

5:15 p.m. – Argyle HS

5:45 p.m. – Winners announced

— reporting by Julia Copas

The McCallum Band has advanced to finals tomorrow and will perform second at 2:30 p.m. at the Alamodome.

The McCallum Band has just concluded its preliminary performance at the UIL 5A State Marching Competition.

Sophomore clarinet player Susan Welsh said she felt the performance went well.

“I think it went really well,” Welsh said. “I think we’re all really hyped about being in such a great performance space and we really pulled through.”

Following the conclusion of the exhibition performance by the East Texas A&M Pride Marching Band, at approximately 8:45 p.m. the 12 bands that will advance to finals tomorrow will be announced.

— Reporting by Julia Copas and Wren Vanderford

The band has begun practicing their marching drills, warming up their aperture’s and making sure their instruments are ready for their upcoming performance.  They are separated into different rooms, with woodwinds and brass in one room, and percussion and pit ensemble in separate rooms.

“It’s honestly super exciting,” Juarez said. This is the most fun I’ve ever had, and I’m really proud of all of us and all of our accomplishments that we’ve had this year.”

They will finish warming up at 7:50 p.m., and will move onto the field at 8:00 p.m.

— Reporting by Sophia Manos and Wren Vanderford

The band has completed their warm ups in Lot A of the Alamodome and is now moving inside to Warm Up Area C, where they will begin practicing at 7:05 p.m..

Senior flute soloist Maddie Juarez says she feels hopeful about the band’s upcoming performance.

“We’re definitely going to have a really strong performance,” Juarez said. “Our band has the ability to turn on a switch for performances, especially when we have a big crowd. That’ll make it 10 times better.”

After practicing, the band will move to the field at 8:10 p.m. to begin their performance in the preliminary round.

– reporting by Julia Copas and Wren Vanderford