The Bixby tournament of the bands is a marching band competition where bands from across the state compete in both a preliminary and final performance for a ranking and commentary from the judges to help prepare for the upcoming OBA state championship.
Staff
Keysto Stotz(Head Director), Bobby Kitchen(Head Director), Blake Chilcoat(Drumline Director), Avery Correia(Assistant), Albert Maturino(Assistant), Brook Dunnington(Guard Director), Abby Ferguson(Guard Assistant), Lauren Tucker(Guard Consultant), Sean Roberts(Assistant), Alane King(Consultant/Assistant), Diana Wiliams(Consultant), Adrian Gomez(Drill Writer), Aaron Hutson(Wind Music Composer), and Benji Baker(Percussion Music Composer).
- Drum Major-Brianna Russel
- Guard Captain-Kiera Pshigoda
- Percussion/Drumline Captain-Logan Campbell
- Brass Captain-Megan McGuire
- Woodwind Captain-Alex Harper
Soloists
- Wyatt Rooks(Saxophone)
- Max Johnston(Clarinet)
- Hayley Brittain(Flute)
- Gabe Penkert(Saxophone)
- Lukis Merkey(Baritone)
- Boston Tilley(Mellophone)
- Megan McGuire(Trumpet).
Who Backs the Bulldog Band?
The band is backed by the Skiatook Band Booster Club which is run by the band parents who work tirelessly to build props for the show, feed the band members at football games and contests, and ensure the band members are hydrated. They officially meet once a month to discuss the needs of the band and how to accomplish those needs, as well as having multiple unofficial meetings to enact the plans to meet the needs of the band.
How did the band do?
In the preliminary round at 11:45 AM, the Pride of Skiatook Marching Band performed their show, Traveler, to the best of their current abilities, intimidating other bands with their size and skill. Skiatook Band placed 2nd place in the 4A class and top 5 overall. They went to perform Finals at 9:15 pm where they placed 3rd overall, beating all 6A, 3A, and 2A bands, as well as all but one 5A band and all but one 4A band. This is the 3rd year the Skiatook Marching Band has brought home a trophy for the top 5 and proved that they are the Pride of Skiatook.
Composer Notes
Composer, David Maslanka, wrote notes for the premeir of his song “Traveler”, giving insight on why he wrote the song and what it means to him: “Traveler was commissioned in 2003 by the University of Texas at Arlington Band Alumni Association in honor of the career contributions of Ray C. Lichtenwalter, retiring Director of Bands at UT Arlington. Ray has been a close friend and champion of my music for many years, and it was a great pleasure for me to write this piece for his final concert. The idea for Traveler came from the feeling of a big life movement as I contemplated my friend’s retirement. Traveler begins with an assertive statement of the chorale melody “Nicht so traurig, nicht so sehr” (“Not so sad, not so much”). The chorale was not chosen for its title, although in retrospect it seems quite appropriate. The last part of life need not be sad. It is an accumulation of all that has gone before, and a powerful projection into the future – the potential for a tremendous gift of life and joy. And so the music begins with energy and movement, depicting an engaged life in full stride. At the halfway point, a meditative quiet settles in. Life’s battles are largely done; the soul is preparing for its next big step.”
‘In our hearts, our minds, our souls
We travel from life to life to life
In time and eternity.’
Again, congratulations to the band for 2nd and 3rd place on Saturday, we look forward to seeing the results for OBA. Great job band!
