Following a ruling believed to be a first in UIL history, Chisum ISD students, their parents and band directors were left devastated after electronic issues ended their dreams of advancing at the Region 4 3A Marching Band Competition.
While setting up for their performance, the band discovered the electronic issue and were unable to fix it.
With their entire show designed around the percussion ensemble, officials contacted the UIL state office for a ruling on the issue, not having encountered that situation before.
“The UIL ruled there is no do-overs, it’s not a disqualification, its just a ‘did not perform,'” said commentators with KGAS Radio live streaming the competition. “For the UIL executive, it was actually the first that he had heard of that before. In all the many years that I’ve ever experienced contests, that’s the first.”
Unable to play a single note or march, students left the field devastated — their hopes and dreams shattered.
“My twins are seniors. Other than the three games we have left, this is it for them as for as marching band goes,” said Kristin LaRue. “This is their fifth year to be in marching band, and they are devastated. We all are.”
“So sad for Chisum…Our marching season came to an unexpected close today after technical difficulties kept our Chisum Pride Band from their performance at regionals,” said another parent online. “We are heartbroken for these kids as well as the band and color guard directors. An unbelievable amount of work goes into building and perfecting these performances and while it’s not the result we had hoped for them today, we are so proud of each of them.”
