The Alba-Golden Panther Band earned unanimous Division I ratings at the UIL Region 4 marching contest Oct. 14 in Mount Pleasant, advancing to the Class 2A Area C competition in Longview.

The Panthers finished 10th at Area on Oct. 31, capping off a successful season for a group of just 25 students.

Directed by Daniel Curry and assistant director Steven Whitecotton, this year’s marching production, titled “Break-through,” featured music ranging from Linkin Park and Radiohead to Beethoven.

“The common theme was the idea of breaking through barriers that can bind us, seen or unseen,” Curry said.

At the Iron Horse Classic hosted by Mineola High School, the Panthers earned Outstanding Class 2A Music, Outstanding Class 2A Visual and Overall Outstanding Class 2A Band.

The group also competed at the Mighty Oak Marching Festival hosted by Lone Oak High School. At Area, 11 bands competed for four spots at the state championships. Alba-Golden finished 10th, while Rivercrest, Tenaha, Cooper and Frankston advanced to state.

“While the band did not advance to the state level of competition, we are very proud of their growth throughout the season,” Curry said. “Personally, I am pleased with this group’s ability to step up and produce beautiful, full sounds with so few wind players. The group has shown a tremendous amount of growth in their playing and marching.”

Senior percussionist Jacob Neigel, who has been in band for eight years, said he has watched the program improve each season.

“The band has grown tremendously these past few years, and we’ve just gotten better and better every single year,” Neigel said. “What I am most proud of with this band is the determination and them wanting to succeed, especially seeing that in the younger kids. It makes for a bright future for this band.”

Neigel said earning a first division rating at UIL and advancing to Area made his final year meaningful.

“With 25 kids on the field, we still overcame boundaries and still succeeded throughout the competitive season,” Neigel said. “It felt so great to get a first division at UIL and go on to the Area round, since it is my last year with this band. This year especially I looked back and saw what progress we’ve made throughout the years, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out with this group.”

Despite their few numbers, the Panther Band brought a mighty sound, Neigel said.

“I couldn’t be more proud of this group and what we’ve accomplished throughout the season,” Neigel said. “I just want everyone to know that it doesn’t matter about the size of the dog; it’s the fight in the dog that really matters.”

Senior Myka Burt served as drum major.

The district has also invested in the program’s future. In April, the Alba-Golden ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved $24,700 for new band uniforms and designated $120,000 from the district’s fund balance for musical instruments.

Curry said he is excited about the program’s future and hopes to continue building enrollment and the quality of the band.

“I’d like to send a shoutout to all the kids that showed up to every rehearsal,” Curry said. “They are the reason the band had such great success this year. I’m very excited to be here at AGISD. I think the future is very bright for this band program.”

The Panther Band will march in the Alba Veterans Parade at 10 a.m. Nov. 7 and perform at the AGISD Veterans Day program Nov. 11 in the district cafeteria.