Countless hours of practice and preparation culminated this week for the Forney High School Band when they competed in the 2021 UIL State Marching Band Championships. Held at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, the contest began with the top thirtythree 5A marching bands in the state, who performed in the preliminary competition on Monday.
Under the direction of Cody Newman, Erin Funk, Riley Warren, Ben Underbrink, Casey Snead, Shannon Jacobs, Brianna Chapman, Elijah Kojak, Karena Crawford, and Connor McCowan, the 240 students in the Forney Band have been working tirelessly for months to perfect their program for this season entitled “Flight of Song”. The production is based on the poem “The Arrow and the Song” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and, as stated in the closing of the program, focuses on “how to treat others and the long-lasting impact that can be made with our positive words. Their true goal for the season is to send a message like an arrow, to see this ‘Flight of Song,’ from beginning to end, in the heart of a friend.”
Out of all the bands participating in the preliminary round of the UIL State Marching Bands Championship, only twelve bands were invited back to compete in the Finals Competition. Forney High School, with Drum Majors Maryann Hernandez, Joi Ponce, Brittany Harris, and Cason Russell, ranked eighth in the preliminary competition, earning a spot in finals for the first time since 2009.
“I am extremely proud of the amazing students of the Forney Band who, through their endless dedication to hard work, musicianship and artistry earned their place amongst the most elite high school band program in the state this season culminating in two stunning performances in the Alamodome at the state championships!” Forney Band Director Cody Newman said following Tuesday’s performance. “The growth they’ve shown as an ensemble cannot be understated, but most importantly, the journey they have experienced together and the lifelong friendships they’ve made along the way are the true prize. Thank you students, parents, administrators and community - Forney Family at its finest!”
The students’ endless dedication and intense effort was evident as the band and color guard took the field Tuesday afternoon, accompanied by a roaring crowd of family, friends, and FISD administrators all over the Alamodome. The Forney Band put on an excellent show for their performance in the UIL State Marching Band Championship Finals!
Tuesday evening, the Championships came to a close with the official results ceremony. A fantastic ending to the UIL competition season, the Forney High School Band placed 8th overall for the 2021 UIL 5A State Marching Band Championship.
“We have such incredible fine arts programs. Our student musicians work extremely hard as they strive for excellence through many hours of practice and competition,” Forney ISD Superintendent Dr. Justin Terry said. “The Forney High Band represented our Forney Family well at the state marching competition, and we are proud to have them as our ambassadors for our district and community at the state level. We are blessed to have Director Cody Newman and his team leading, supporting, and caring for our band students every day. They’ve done an incredible job.”
Photos by Eddy Taylor
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