Rotarian Fred Pankratz introduced James Edwards, the new band director at CISD. Mr. Edwards came to us from Plainview. He said he and his wife, Daisy, are a team who work seamlessly together, and are very thankful for this opportunity of taking a band to the state competition. Mr. Edwards credited the band kids for all their hard work, effort, and commitment.

The process of making it to the state marching contest begins a year in advance: selecting the music, planning the costumes, designing props, designing the flags, and choreographing the flag and marching routines. He says the key is that the students have to buy into the vision. There is a three-step process to advancing to the state level. The first UIL contest for District requires a band to make a firstplace rating in order to advance to Area. At Area, only the top three bands move on to state competition in San Antonio. The Wildcat Band placed 12th out of 204 bands and was, by far, the smallest band.

Randall Standridge composed the music for the band’s marching show. After the band’s performance in the preliminary round at state, Mr. Standridge called Mr. Edwards and said, “You killed it.” This kind of congratulations from a composer never happens.

Coming up, the band will compete in All-Region, and UIL concert and sightreading. They will give a Christmas Concert on Dec. 8 at 2:30 pm.

Mr. Edwards said that Canadian has rich history and tradition. He especially loves seeing how quickly the sixth-graders progress and grow. He and Daisy teach music, but they also want to help students grow as individuals. They love teaching music because it is a universal language. Anywhere in the world you go, if you can read music, you can play with people who speak any language. Playing a musical instrument is the only thing that activates both sides of the brain at the same time. Playing with others teaches dedication and teamwork. He also loves that, through band, kids who may not have the opportunity to travel outside Canadian get to experience going places and push themselves through competition with other schools.

When asked what the needs were for the band, Mr. Edwards said they will need to replace instruments in the near future. Their biggest expense is the long football season, traveling to games and feeding students. Also, in order to be competitive in the future, they will have to buy a better sound system. Donations can be made through the Canadian Wildcat Band Booster Club or the high school. They always welcome donations of snacks and water.

We congratulate James and Daisy Edwards on a great marching season.

Pat Popham and Shane Harris led the singing, pledge, and prayer. Wendy Wright was a guest of Beth Briant, who won the lunch drawing. Kelsey Haley won the jackpot with the 6 of Clubs. Richard Brock announced that he will be moving to Florida. Beth Briant had the Professional Issue.