The band got recognized for their efforts when they brought home first place at the Galena Park ISD marching contest on Saturday, Oct. 3. The band went to Galena Park Stadium to compete against older and more experienced marching bands. The Mustang Band was seen as a hidden threat, as in the course of eight years, it transformed from a group of only 45 people to a hulking mass of almost 300 people and one of the largest high school bands in the U.S.

“I thought it was a really good effort put out today,” said Mustang Band Drum Major senior Canyon Evenson. “We had a great turnout.”

Tensions were high during the scoring ceremony with many in the band not thinking they would even place, but ended getting first in conference 6A. Although this is a great moment for the Mustang Marching Band, Director Russell Holcombe believes the band has not yet reached their full potential.

“‘Always Improve,'” said Holcombe. “We have nice moments, and we want to make all our moments as good as the nice moments.”

Nevertheless, the band is proud of the work that they have done at Galena Park.  The band will keep practicing regardless of contests or games, in order to get better at their show and keep getting more awards for Cy Ranch.

“They’re all very serious, very ready for this competition,” said Mustang Band Drum Major senior Alex Williamson. “I think we deserve what we got, and everybody who performed today was very professional.”

The band gets back on the field on Saturday, Oct. 10 for the annual CFISD “Battle At The Berry” marching contest.