“This was an extremely successful year for the Tiger Band,” John Young, Director of Bands and Fine Arts said. “The addition of our amazing colorguard, under the direction of Director Nathan Ascano, has given us the visual impact needed to be more exciting on the field.”
Over the course of the marching season, the Tiger Band received the following awards and acknowledgements: Outstanding 5A award at the at the Drums on Point Percussion Contest in Wills Point; Superior ratings in all Divisions for the marching band, colorguard, percussion and drum majors at the Mesquite Marching Contest; Best in Class 5A, 4th Place, and Superior Ratings in all Divisions for the marching band, colorguard, percussion, and drum majors at the Cedar Creek Marching Contest in Mabank; and Superior Ratings and qualification for UIL Area C Marching Contest at the UIL Region 3 Marching Contest in Mesquite. Additionally, the Tiger Band made Top 15 bands at the UIL Area C Marching Band Contest in Mesquite.
Young also shares that the focus for this year was on individual student responsibility. He challenged students to take responsibility for their actions, development as a musician, and academic success.
“We are very proud to say that we had 98 percent of our students earn passing grades and meet the requirements to be academically eligible during the 2019 season,” Young shared. “This was a massive accomplishment compared to the 2018 marching season, where we had a 91 percent passage rate. I am so proud of our students for owning their academic achievement and knowing that for us to be successful as a band, we have to be quality students first."
Although marching season has come to an end, the Tiger Band has no plans of slowing down. Outfitted in crisp new uniforms, the directors and students are continuing to challenge themselves and grow to be the best that they can possibly be. The Tiger Band and the entire TISD Fine Arts Department is currently working hard to prepare for the annual TISD Christmas Spectacular, a free event that will take place on Tuesday, December 17 at 6:30PM at the Jamie Foxx Performing Arts Center. The event will offer free photos with Santa from 5:15-6:15PM and feature the GLA, JWL, GWE, and Wood Orff Clubs, All-City Honors Choir, THS, and FMS Visual Arts program, THS Varsity Treble Choir, THS Theatre Department, THS Tigerette Elite Team, the THS Band Program, and a special vocal performance by Terrell native, Sergeant Kennedy Jones.
“The community love and support of our Fine Arts programs is one of the driving factors for our success,” Young said. “Please give your support and enjoy our performances once again at our TISD Christmas Spectacular. Be sure to wear your favorite festive or ugly Christmas sweater.”