Aubrey band goes to state
By Basil Gist
Staff Writer
The future is now for the Mighty Aubrey Marching Band as they performed “Futurescape” on Wednesday in San Antonio.
With lead director Jason Noyes at its head, the AHS Marching Band traveled to the state competition for the first time since 2009 and the first time ever since pushing into the 4A division.
“I talk to the kids all the time about the journey we’re on,” Noyes said. “It’s not about the trophies, it’s not about the placement. It’s about enjoying the time with each other and getting to perform with your friends and having the special moments happen together. To get that added reward is nice. It’s like having a dessert after a really good meal.”
Noyes praised his kids for their growth he’s seen in them since he became a Chaparral in 2019 just before the pandemic struck.
“I came to Aubrey in 2019,” Noyes said. “That was the first year of the COVID shutdown. I stepped into a program, and a few months later we were not coming back to school. I felt like that fifth year was the first real year where we were able to do some real stuff, and now seeing the progress from year to year has been really special to watch.”
The Chaps have been climbing the ladder for several years leading up to their third-place finish at area last week finishing 17th, 11th and seventh over the last three years.
“They’ve made tremendous progress each year,” Noyes said. “It’s been a wild journey.”
He explained that competition is particularly stiff in this area.
“We’re just thankful to survive our area rounds,” Noyes said. “Any group that makes it to that level, especially in Area B 4As, it’s nuts the level of competition.”
He shared that even as recently as a few weeks ago he and the other directors were tweaking the performance.
“We changed some things a few weeks ago because a moment was not landing,” Noyes said. “[We figure out] how we can adapt it and make it to where it’s more achievable and impressive sounding,”
Between the sound, technical requirements and choreography, Noyes said a lot goes into creating a show each year.
“The big one is, is it going to be competitive and does it highlight our skillset or is it the opposite—will it highlight things we don’t do well,” Noyes said about the technical side of the process before moving to the entertainment value. “Each year the process is similar. Really what drives the process is picking good music we think the kids will enjoy playing for several months.”
He further explained that no amount of planning on their part or work from the kids can overcome the mercurial nature of judging art.
“It’s subjective,” Noyes said. “There are so many great band programs that were there that didn’t advance. It’s so competitive to get out of this area, … so we talk all the time about putting your best performance together. All we worry about is ourselves and doing our absolute best and enjoying the process.”
The Aubrey band placed 14th at state on Wednesday.
