In their last year in District 3-5A, the Randall Band ended the marching season with a performance in San Antonio’s Alamodome at the State UIL Marching Competition.

With the addition of a third high school to the district next year, Randall is expected to move down to 4A.

To qualify to compete at state, the band persevered through summer rehearsals, before and after school practices and multiple competitions. Thirty-three bands qualified to compete at the two-round state contest, prelims and finals. Randall competed in prelims at 3:15 p.m. on Nov. 1 with the hope of being one of 12 schools to advance to finals. In their first state appearance 18 years, the band knew they would have an uphill battle competing against metroplex mega schools such as Cedar Park, Rouse and Leander.

That evening, the band learned they would not advance to the final round of competition; however, the news did not diminish the pride the Raider community felt for their band’s performance.

“Thank you all for the amazing love and support as we went to State Marching contest for the first time since 2003,” Band Director Ginger Denney said. “We are really excited about the growth opportunities that lie ahead.”

The event wrapped up the season, but for the Randall Raiders, it was quite possibly the last time they would all march together. For band members, who have been together since the sixth grade with all the same directors, it was a grand finale, a heart-felt bow and a nod to the upcoming change ahead.