SANTO—Santo Wildcat Band senior Rylan Buzbee said she’ll never forget the moment the band started performing “Breaking Darkness” by Luke McMillan at the UIL State Marching Band Contest in San Antonio, Nov. 12

“It was just super surreal,” Buzbee recalled, who is the main drum major and also plays the marching horn for the Wildcats. “It’s my last year and we get to go to state. We made some incredible memories there.”

The 2024 contest marks the fifth consecutive year Santo has performed in the competition. The 37-member band placed 13th overall out of 17 groups.

“We were the second smallest band to compete in numbers but our students performed expressively and represented our community and region proudly,” Band Director Mark Belding said. “Every band we saw in San Antonio was incredible. It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to see the musical and creative excellence that is alive and well in the State of Texas.”

In previous years, the band placed in the top ten – except in 2023 when it placed 11th. Junior band member John Gann said the musicians consider earning the opportunity to compete at the state level a success in and of itself.

“Just knowing that we made it that far and we’re one of the top 2A bands in the state is something to be proud of,” the tenor saxophonist explained.

Gann first picked up the saxophone in fifth grade and joined the marching band during his freshman year at Santo High School. He said the experience changed his life for the better.

“Band is like family,” Gann said. “I’m a completely different person than I was freshman year. I’ve come out of my shell and I’m proud to say everyone in band is my friend.”

Buzbee attributes the band’s success and supportive environment to Belding. She said the band is definitely grateful for its director this Thanksgiving season.

“It all goes back to our amazing band director,” Buzbee said. “He always encourages us so much and he’s probably the best band director we could ever have. We’re very thankful for him.”

The Santo Wildcat Band has had a banner year. Leading up to the state competition, the Wildcats won first place against 16 other UIL Class 2A marching bands at Ram Stadium in Mineral Wells, Nov. 2.

“None of it would have been possible without our parents, administrators and community backing us every step of the way,” Belding said. “We are so grateful to be in a school that sees the value of music education and takes pride in its little band that could.”