La Grange Band Members are Our County Athletes of the Week

Anyone who thinks band members are not athletes have obviously not seen the La Grange High School Band.

From marching practice in the heat of the summer back in August to the stressful spotlight of the Alamodome this week at the state marching competition, the members of the Mighty Leopard Band are the epitome of athletic excellence.

And all the hard work has paid off as the program qualified for the state marching competition for the second consecutive year and for only the second time in school history.

We’re proud to honor the athletes of the Mighty Leopard Marching Band as this week’s Fayette County Athletes of the Week.

Back in August we asked head band director Chris Cooper to talk about this work his band members put it. It’s staggering: “Our band students are among the most disciplined and enthusiastic on campus,’ he said. “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 or 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.”

When you factor in marching at football games on Fridays and marching competitions almost every weekend in October, it’s an amazing level of dedication.

– Jeff Wick