DeSoto Eagle Band Soars High at Recent UIL Competition, Advances to Area C UIL Marching Contest
The DeSoto Independent School District is proud to celebrate the recent accomplishments of the DeSoto Eagle Band under the leadership of new director Carlton Cooper.
The DeSoto High School Eagle Band received superior ratings at the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Region 20 Marching Band Contest, held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at John E. Kincaide Stadium. This achievement earned the band a space in the prestigious Area C UIL Marching Contest, which will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Mesquite Memorial Stadium.
In addition to their UIL success, the DeSoto Eagle Band also participated in the 2024 Cowtown Marching Festival on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Herman Clarke Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. Competing in Class AA, the band received first place along with several distinguished awards, including:
- Best in Class
- Best in Class General Effect
- Outstanding Winds
The band advanced to the finals and placed fourth overall out of 11 bands—a remarkable achievement in a highly competitive field.
The UIL Region 20 contest is a high-stakes event in which bands from regions 20, 5, and 7 compete for a chance to advance to the state competition. Bands perform a five to eight-minute show that is judged by a panel of five experts—three music judges and two marching judges. Using a scale from 1 (superior) to 5 (poor), the judges score bands without conferring, ensuring impartial results. Only the top 10–12 bands advance based on total rankings.
The DeSoto High School Eagle Band’s exceptional performances in both the Cowtown Festival and the UIL contest demonstrate their musical excellence, dedication, and hard work.
DeSoto ISD congratulates the talented musicians, directors, parents, and entire band community on this high achievement and encourages the school community to cheer on the DeSoto Eagle Band and Color Guard as they soar to new heights at the Area contest!