2008-2009
The Charger Brigade began the 2008-2009 school year with a new sense of optimism for a state competition year. The new marching show “Under a Russian Sky” highlighted the musicianship of the band with solos, and special performances by various sections of the band, and also showcased a larger and more dynamic color guard than in previous years. This year also featured substantial successes for the band. The band made school history on October 4, by taking top honors in its classification at the US Scholastic Band Association Marine Corps Invitational North Texas regional competition, winning the 1st place trophy for Division V Open. The band also took caption awards for Best Percussion, Best Color Guard, and Best Visual Effect. This was just part of a successful marching season, as the band made a Division I at UIL to advance to the Area marching competition in Odessa. While the band did not advance to the regional finals, the performance at the Area preliminary competition was most outstanding.
The wind ensemble enjoyed a unique opportunity to perform at a Veterans’ Day celebration and the unveiling of a new American Airlines flagship aircraft at DFW Airport this year. The band performed the National Anthem, a Military Hymns medley, “Tie a Yellow Ribbon” and a reverent rendition of “It is Well” during the ceremony to honor fallen and wounded soldiers. It was a moving and uplifting experience for the students and for the parents and staff that watched them perform.
The Drumline took its “Witches of Venice” show to PASIC, Lone Star Classic Drum Line Competition, and North Texas Colorguard Association (NTCA) Winter Guard International competitions. During the winter competitions, Central took first place at the January competition at Juan Seguin High School with a net score of 67.35. In the February competition hosted by James Bowie High School, Central turned in a higher score of 71.35 for a third place finish. In March, at the NTCA Championships, Central improved its performance again with a final score of 81.25, achieving a second place finish. The Drumline was also well represented in that five members of the line successfully auditioned for the independent Drumline “Surround Sound” and helped Surround Sound reach the finals at the WGI Marching Percussion Championship in Dayton, Ohio.
The Colorguard also successfully competed in the NTCA Winter Guard competitions. The Guard performed at the competitions at Brewer High School in February, taking 6th place, at Birdville High School in March, taking 8th place, and at the Scholastic Championships in March, taking 8th place in the Scholastic AA division. The Guard achieved increased scores with each competition, and appears poised to reach even greater accomplishments in the future.
The Student Leadership Council took the initiative to hold fund-raisers and have “Lock-in” to support the Jerrell Barnes Memorial Scholarship. Their diligent efforts successfully raised the funds to cover the first award of this annual scholarship. This group of student leaders, especially the graduating seniors, demonstrated truly commendable character, honor, and service.
As the 2008 – 2009 school year came to a close, Head Band Director Eric Short announced that he would be leaving the CHS program to pursue new opportunities. We wish Mr. Short the best in his new endeavors, as the Central High School Band moves into A New Day under the direction of the incoming Head Band Director Kevin McNulty.
2007-2008
The Keller Central Band began the 2007-2008 school year with just over 200 members. The new marching show “Flexion” featured props, special performances by various sections of the band, increased choreography for the color guard, and a “Soldier Boy” dance by the band that proved to be a real crowd-pleaser. The Brigade enjoyed a successful contest season, advancing to the Finals at both the Birdville and Aledo Marching Competitions. The band finished the marching season on a positive note by achieving a Division One ranking at the UIL Regional Competition in Denton. The Drum Line competed at the Lone Star Classic Drum Line Competition in Lewisville, gaining an 8th place finish among the 5A schools present. The Cymbal Line scored a major accomplishment by earning honors as the top Cymbal Line in the competition. This was the first caption award won by any section in school history. For the Spring Trip this year, the band traved to the Director’s Choice Music Festival in San Antonio, where they saught to continue its tradition of outstanding musical performances.
2006-2007
Central was reclassified from 4A to 5A this year. The band's ranks grew to over 200 members this season. This years show was “Brain Storm” which scored a rating of 1 at the UIL marching competition in Denton, thus qualifying to advance to the Area Marching Competition in Odessa, Texas. At the Area competition, the band qualified as Area finalist, and on a strong evening performance ranked fifth for a designation as second alternate for State competition. The Drumline also competed at the Percussive Arts Society International Conference (PASIC) in Austin, Texas. The conference allowed the members of the drumline to experience an exciting competition and to attend several clinics with specialized instruction in their chosen instruments. The band traveled to Winter Park, Colorado for its spring trip and performed in the Winter Park Ski Music Festival, achieving ratings of 1 and 2 for its concert performance. A very high standard of excellence has been firmly established during these formative years, and the Keller Central Band is committed to establish new traditions in the never-ending pursuit of the perfect performance on the marching field and in concert halls.