Tuning Up the Heat: LHS Band Already Hard at Work After Last Year’s First-Ever March to State

Last year was unforgettable year for the La Grange High School marching band as the Leps advanced to the state marching contest for the first time in school history.

Some members of the band have already been at work for almost a month building on last year’s success to help this year’s band succeed as well.

We caught up with La Grange head band director Christopher Cooper to talk about the hard work the kids have already put in, the work ahead, and this year’s 1960s-70s-themed halftime show “Flower Power.”

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Our band students are among the most disciplined and enthusiastic on campus. They’ve committed to a summer schedule modeled after top 4A programs across Texas, and they’ve risen to meet those expectations.

“This year, we started earlier than usual— on July 7—to accommodate the adjusted school calendar. Our percussion, color guard, and leadership team began with a 36-hour camp, followed by a freshman-only mini-camp totaling 12 hours. The Freshman Camp prevents us from starting from scratch every year when the veterans arrive.

“The full ensemble participated in a 40-hour camp, during which we brought in specialist instructors for every section, similar to a football program having position specific coaches. This focused week is invaluable for setting up both the show and the year ahead.

“We start learning drill on August 1 per UIL rules. By that point, students need to have mastered the mechanics of marching and dance, should be able to play all of their music accurately, and should have 2-3 minutes of show music memorized. The other advantage of front loading is that it makes it manageable for athletes to participate without missing much, if any, athletic practices in late July/early August.

“Leading up to the school year, we rehearse three to four evenings a week. Once school begins, our after-school rehearsals total seven hours weekly. UIL allows up to eight hours per week, plus an additional hour on performance days—but we’ve consistently found success without needing to max out that time.”

Q: What is this year’s halftime show?

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This year’s show, Flower Power!, celebrates the vibrant pop sounds of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Our musical selections include: “Happy Together” – The Turtles “Joy” – Apollo 100 “Classical Gas” – Mason Williams “It’s Not Unusual” – Tom Jones (reimagined as a ballad) “A Fifth of Beethoven” – Walter Murphy “The show blends nostalgia with musical sophistication. Many of these tunes have classical roots—Joy is based on Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, and A Fifth of Beethoven is a disco take on Beethoven’s iconic symphony. Even Classical Gas, though original, showcases the classical guitar style of its composer.

“At first, some students were skeptical of the set list, but once they heard how it was arranged for marching band, they loved it. The variety and creativity of the arrangements are energizing for both the performers and the audience.

“Like last year’s Sonoran Sketches, Flower Power! is a departure from the darker, more abstract shows often seen in competition. We think audiences—and judges—will find it refreshing, fun, and memorable. I’m excited for everyone to experience it!”

Q: Who are this year’s drum majors?

Our 2024 Drum Majors are:

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Chloe Coufal, senior clarinetist, returning for her third year as Drum

Major

Kameron Behrens, senior trombonist, in his first year on the podium “Their chemistry as a leadership team has been outstanding. They bring different strengths and personalities, but they are united by their love for the band. Their humility and focus set the tone for the rest of the ensemble and embody the leadership values we strive to cultivate.”

Q: What is the current momentum in the program after last year’s run to

State?

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Last year’s State appearance was an unforgettable milestone, and while the momentum continues, this season brings a mix of rebuilding and renewal.

“We faced some turnover—both from normal student transitions and internal challenges. More veteran members left than normal, so we’re slightly smaller than last year, and a few of our sections are moving a little slower due to the lack of experience. However, the returning students brought back a strong sense of discipline, maturity, and purpose. We spent over three years implementing our expectations for rehearsal etiquette, and the students didn’t fully buy in until about October of last year. I didn’t expect them to show up and show that same level of work ethic on Day 1! They’ve picked up right where they left off and are modeling excellent habits for the new members. Seeing their work ethic and hearing how good they sound this early has been among the most rewarding moments of my 15 years of teaching. It was a revelation I could have only experienced because it is my fifth year here.

“The biggest shift has been cultural. Rehearsals are productive and fun. Students are supporting each other more, and the atmosphere is healthier all around. Our freshmen have embraced the expectations naturally, following the lead of the returning members.

“As for competition, our philosophy hasn’t changed. We use competition strictly to motivate students to peak, but peak performance is the goal. What are we giving to our audiences and judging panels? If we deliver a better show than last year, we’ve succeeded. If they give their best show ever at Area and still don’t advance, that’s not a failure.

“It’s interesting - we do want them to perform in Finals, and to advance to Area and State, but not for the clout. Advancing means that while other bands’seasons have just abruptly ended, we get one more chance to perform together and to max out the show. As both the Director and a father of two band members, I do hope to make it back to State, but not just because it’s a cool brag. Performing at State is the most fun you can have in high school marching band. So we will do all we can to give them their best shot, like every year. But as long as they surpass last year’s band in terms of quality, with friendships still intact, we will consider that a great success.”