BY TRACY FARR
MT. PLEASANT TRIBUNE
The recent spat of rainy weather has not been kind to the Mount Pleasant High School Goin’ Gold Tiger Band.
A Friday-night football game was moved to Thursday because of rain. And then inclement weather for the weekend was the reason for cancelling the Northeast Texas Marching Contest hosted by Mount Pleasant.
Rain, rain and more rain played havoc with the band’s rehearsal time, and then more rainy weather caused the UIL Marching Contest, scheduled for Tuesday at Sam Parker Field, to be moved to Sulphur Springs High School’s indoor practice field.
And if that wasn’t bad enough, the last-minute UIL change of venue caused transportation logistic problems for the Tiger Band, which meant they couldn’t catch a ride to the marching contest.
So, after all the bands finished playing in Sulphur Springs, the UIL judges came to Mount Pleasant bringing more rain with them, but the members of the Tiger Band performed like they’ve been trained, and walked away earning straight 1’s.
According to MPHS Band Director Dr. Theodus Luckett III, earning superior ratings at anytime is hard enough, but playing that well on such a cold and rainy day was “unbelievable.”
“I was nervous at first because we don’t usually perform in the rain,” said Luckett, “but they really stepped up and did well.”
And even the judges for the event thought so, too.
Dr. Ross Grant, director of bands in Irving ISD, wrote on his comment sheet: “This band sounds and looks great especially considering the weather conditions!”
“Overall, very cool show—props, color guard, music!” wrote Robert Vetter, Waco ISD director of bands.
“Great job brass, woodwind, and percussion!,” wrote Steven Moore, director of instrumental music for Lindale ISD. “I am very impressed with your performance! Cool solo! Band plays with good tone!”
And Robert Vetter, director of bands for Waco ISD wrote: “Nice job color guard! Love the show!”
“Our band students at Mount Pleasant ISD are resilient,” said Luckett. “We teach and cultivate resiliency throughout all district band programs. We have high expectations and our school district has high expectations so we push them to their limit!”
“The weather really pushed our color guard but they adjusted quickly … and performed well,” he added. “Our percussion section, specifically the front ensemble, adjusted quickly, as water and electronics do not generally mix. The directors were very proud, as the students were flexible, they did not complain, and most importantly, they performed well.”
And what’s in store for the band now that UIL contest is over?
“We were invited to compete at the US Bands National Competition at Dallas Cowboy Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 10,” said Luckett. “Due to the overwhelming support of Mount Pleasant ISD Board of Trustees, administration, and community, we are able to create a competitive band program. We will continue to perfect our show up until our national competition.”