The Gladiator Regiment Band started off their contest tour with a bang by earning first division ratings at both the Teague Marching Invitational and the Troy Marching Festival.

Braving the cold, the band travelled to Teague on Saturday, Oct. 6, after a brief rehearsal in the afternoon. The band drew the first performance time slot and not only earned the first division rating, but also won the “Best in Class” award in the 1A classification that included Kerens and Valley Mills. The 2As were bested by Rice and included Teague, Hearne, Elkhart, and Centerville. Hillsboro and Madisonville were the only two 3A schools that competed.

Judges for this contest were Richard Kincaid, Weyland Rapp, and Joey Qualls. They praised the band’s marching technique but suggested that the band work on balance so that all sections are heard. The judges concurred that there was nothing glaringly major but rather small details to fix before UIL contest. All three judges award Italy a first division rating, the highest possible rating.

The weather on Wednesday, October 10, was significantly different as the band made the trip down to Troy. The band sweated in their hot uniforms as they warmed up and tuned at this contest that has traditionally graded much tougher than most other invitational contests.

The judges for this contest were Brent Colwell of Temple College, Frank Nelson of Belton High School, and Darrell Umhoefer of Midway ISD. Colwell and Nelson awarded the first division rating while Umhoefer awarded the band a second division rating. Overall, the judges agreed that the band’s enthusiasm and volume is too much to maintain a good quality sound. They were otherwise impressed with the bands marching, drill design and execution of visual effects.

The show, A Tribute to Motown, features three songs – I Want You Back by the Jackson 5, Lady Marmalade by Labelle and Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone by The Temptations. All three songs were #1 hits for the performers in the 1970s.

The band’s next and final marching contest will be the Region 8 UIL marching contest at La Vega on October 24. Parents and supporters are welcome to attend. Admission is free. The band will perform at 11:45 a.m.

Directions to LaVega:

Head South to Waco on I35
Exit 339 Loop 340
Head east (left) at light, go under overpass
Pass Pizza Hut on right side
Turn right onto Scroggins
Turn left onto Stephanie
Turn left onto Wheeler
Turn left into parking lot behind school