Hundreds of high school musicians participated in the Region VII West Zone UIL Marching Band Contest at Early Longhorn Stadium on Saturday, October 19th with some local schools advancing to Area competition.

Local high school marching bands including Brownwood, Early and Bangs received Division I ratings.  This year, class A and AA bands receiving Division I ratings will advancement to the UIL Area Marching Contest to be held in Belton on October 26.  Marching times will be released on Thursday.

Other bands receiving Division I ratings are Eldorado, San Saba, Christoval, Irion County, Junction, Winters, Rising Star, Ballinger, Wall, Sonora, Coleman, Llano.

Saturday’s contest consisted of 26 competing marching bands.  Judges for the contest were Jim Cude, Greg Miller and George Strickland.  The event was hosted by the Early High School Band Boosters.

Ending the day’s contest was an exhibition performance of “The Sound and the Fury,” Tarleton State University’s Marching Band, under the direction of Dr. Gary Westbrook.

Pictured above is the Mighty Maroon Marching Band of Brownwood High School.