On top of preparing for their performance during their state trip, the junior band and color guard members had their ring ceremony at a restaurant in San Antonio. The band usually has a banquet during their state trip and they combined it with the ring ceremony this year. 

During their banquet dinner at “The Little Red Barn,” some parents attended along with all of the directors and principal, Mrs. Doolan. All of the juniors were given goodie bags and their names were called one by one to get their ring if they had one. All of the juniors stood and were applauded during the ceremony. 

“I thought it was exciting because it was at a restaurant in San Antonio instead of at the school,” junior Ian Loveland said. 

Because of the timing of the state competition, the junior band members weren’t able to attend the official ring ceremony with the other juniors. 

“I think it was a very good opportunity to celebrate the juniors and all of their achievements and set them up for their senior year,” junior band vice president Abel Dereje said. 

The band went down to San Antonio for their state trip on Oct. 31 after they qualified for state this year. They placed 14th in state prelims. 

“It wasn’t terrible missing out on the official ceremony, but I would have much rather spent it with my band family,” Dereje said. 

Not all students got rings if they didn’t fill out the form wanting their name to be called, but everyone got a goody bag and applause from their band family. The ceremony was right after their rehearsal, so it was optional to dress up. 

“It was kind of awkward walking up to get my ring because my friends were embarrassing me by yelling my name,” junior Aniyah Nolen said.