While many students enjoyed sleeping until noon during the summer, the marching band was hard at work preparing their show. Students spent hours in the morning and afternoon sun, perfecting their music and routine.

“Band camp was a valuable experience because we developed character by testing our mental and physical limits,” freshman Siena Abbott said. “Despite the fact that it only lasted three weeks, there was an immediate sense of bonding. I was instantly a part of a family.”

The band made significant changes this year because of the addition of two new band directors, Jason Robb and Ryan Johnstone.

“The new directors have been outstanding,” sophomore Kaitlyn Hunt said. “You can tell how much they love their job by their determination and the way they treat the kids. To me, they’re the most intimidating people ever, but I admire them very much.”

This year’s show, entitled “Glass Images,” earned the band an eleventh place finish overall and a third place finish in their class at the Bands of America regional contest in Austin.

“I was beyond proud of the band for making it so close to finals,” drum major Aaron Bouchard said. “Sure, I would have loved to have made it, but I was happy with knowing that all our hard work pushed us to be better. Next year, I’m confident we will rock the house.”

At the Texas Marching Classic on Oct. 8, the band advanced to finals for the first time in school history and got to attend the finals retreat, where all the top marching bands lined up on the field to receive their ending results.

“Making finals at TMC was the best because we worked as hard as we could up to that point, and all of our work really did show,” freshman Claire Opella said. “Being able to go on the field for full retreat was a feeling like no other because we got to experience success. To me, it showed how close our band family was.”

The band’s last competition was the Bands of America super regional competition in San Antonio Nov. 4-5, where students competed against some of the best bands in the country. They placed eighth in their division and 34th overall.

“There was more pressure leading up to this year’s contest than in previous years,” drum major Sammy Copeland said. “Since it was the most competitive marching band competition in the country, we had to continue to push to the end and make everyone pay attention to us. It seems like we have always been the forgotten band in our school district, but this year was the beginning of a new era for the Rouse Band.”

Now that marching season is over, the band is currently preparing for concert season, and the wind ensemble is compiling a tape of music to enter in an honor band contest. Musicians are focused on upcoming events, but excited about the achievements they have earned.

“From this point, I think the only way the band will go is up,” senior Abby Acosta said. “Mr. Robb has big ambitions for this band, and he knows that there’s not a limit to the things we can do. With that attitude, it should be a great next couple of years for the Rouse Band.”