“It’s a good night for Wood County.”

That’s what Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame member George Strickland told Wood County Monitor photographer Tiffany Cook Saturday evening during the UIL Class 3A Area C marching contest in Whitehouse.

He had good reason to say it.

Mineola, Winnsboro and Quitman all earned trips to the UIL State Marching Band Championships after finishing among the top five bands in the area finals.

Mineola’s Sound of the Swarm took first place, Winnsboro’s Big, Bad Band from Raiderland finished third and Quitman’s Proud Blue Band placed fifth.

All three will compete Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Mineola continues its string of state appearances, while Winnsboro returns after missing qualification by one placelast year. For Quitman, it will be the band’s first trip to state competition in 40 years.

Mineola ISD Superintendent Cody Mize said the band’s continued suc cess is a point of pride for the district.

“Returning to the UIL State Marching Band Contest is a tremendous source of pride for Mineola ISD and our entire community. The Sound of the Swarm has built a remarkable tradition of excellence, and these students, along with their directors and families, continue to represent our school and town with distinction through their hard work and discipline,” Mize said.

Mineola head band director Donald Myers said the students have embraced the band’s motto, “Make it Better,” throughout the season.

“They understand that success doesn’t come from one great performance, but from the small, everyday decisions to work hard, hold each other accountable, and never settle for where we are,” Myers said.

Myers said he is especially proud of the way students have supported one another and grown through the challenges of the season. For him, watching students develop confidence and responsibility is just as rewarding as qualifying for state.

Winnsboro’s third-place finish was the band’s highest placement in area finals, according to drum major Hallie Jo White.

Winnsboro ISD Superintendent Chris Trotter said the students and directors have been working toward this goal since July.

“Moments like this don’t happen by accident. It started back in July, with early mornings and late evenings in the heat, as our students and directors built this show from the ground up, one rehearsal at a time,” Trotter said.

Trotter also praised band director Cameron Warren and his staff for their work with the students. The Winnsboro band has a saying students repeat after rehearsals and performances: “Ain’t no home, but the Dome.” This year, they’re going back.

Quitman’s fifth-place finish ended a 40-year wait for the Proud Blue Band, which last competed at state in 1986 under the direction of Neal Sutton.

The band, now directed by Michael Barron, faced several challenges this season, including illness that kept approximately 20 students out of rehearsals and cost the band a week of preparation.

Before the area competition, Barron said the band’s motto had been a big part of its preparation.

“Our motto has been ‘do your job’ and the kids have been really buying into that concept. We all understand that if we as individuals do our job that our show should be great,” Barron said.

Quitman ISD Superintendent Chris Mason said the band’s success was the result of months of work.

“We are incredibly proud of the Quitman Blue Band and their advancement! This accomplishment reflects the countless hours of hard work, dedication, and commitment our students and directors have put in since August,” Mason said.

Mason also thanked the families, Band Boosters and others who supported the students throughout the season.

“This is also a community accomplishment. Our Band Boosters, parents, and families have provided tremendous support along the way, giving their time, energy, and encouragement to help our students succeed,” Mason said.

Alba-Golden High School’s band will also be competing this weekend. The Panthers will participate in the UIL Class 2A Area C Marching Contest Saturday, Oct. 31, at Spring Hill’s Panther Stadium in Longview, hoping to earn a trip to the state competition.

At the state competition Nov. 4, Winnsboro is scheduled to perform at 10:30 a.m., followed by Mineola at 1:30 p.m. and Quitman at 3:30 p.m. An exhibition performance by Southern Methodist University’s band is scheduled for 4:15 p.m., with finalists to be announced at 4:30 p.m.