Band traveled to St. Louis to compete in their first-ever out-of-state competition, one of the largest in national marching band competitions, housing 68 bands from 12 different states on Oct. 23-27. Later, on Nov. 9-10, the band traveled to San Antonio for another super regional event.

Band placed fourth overall in finals with a score of 87.550 at St. Louis, placing fourth, and 87.750 at San Antonio placing fifteenth in finals. 

“St. Louis was exhilarating,”  junior Drum Major Audrey Raybould said.  “Everyone was happy with how it went, not only with placement but our performances.”

This score and placement at these BOA Super Regionals are a large leap from where the band had placed last year, at 31st with a score of 82.200 at San Antonio.

“Making fourth in the competition was a big accomplishment, not only that, it was a beautiful moment,” senior Santiago Gamez said. “You would look at the crowd and say ‘Wow, those are the people we are performing for.’”

Both competitions are streamed nationally by Box 5 and FloMarching, along with an attending crowd numbered in the thousands, including other bands across the state watching the performances. 

“I thought I would be more nervous, but it feels more natural than anything, it’s just like playing a solo in a concert band,” sophomore Nicole Skelton said. “We’ve grown so much, I remember thinking this marching season was amazing and I think people realized the potential we have and what we could do with it.” 

Following the conclusion of the season, the directors have already started work on planning for next year’s marching season including a large fundraising effort. 

“St. Louis shows that McNeil Band is ready to kick some butt, we’re kind of the underdog and we want to show that we can do as well as others,” Raybould said, “St. Louis was the motivation to keep the band going through the season.”