Coming off the most successful competitive marching season in the history of Gilmer High School, the Buckeye Band has a lot to be proud of in the few short months of the new school year. As the band started preparations in the month of August, the attitude of the group was to take the accomplishments of the past to a new level. Mission accomplished.

90+ members in the marching band (highest enrollment since 2000)

First Division UIL Marching Contest (12 out of the last 13 years)

First Division Yamboree Marching Contest

Area UIL Marching Contest Prelims (2nd time in the history of the school)

Area UIL Marching Contest Finalists (1st time in the history of the school)

First Division NAMMB Marching Contest (1st time in the history of the school)

Superior Performance Award, NAMMB Marching Contest (2nd time in the history of the school)

The band students now focus their attention on twirling contests for the majorettes, all region auditions, solo and ensemble contest, concert and sight-reading contest, Christmas performances and the fall tradition of Gilmer Football playoff games.

“We just want to say thanks to all the people that support us week after week and make a special point to tell the kids how proud they are of them for their accomplishments. Parents, administrators, teachers, even people at out-of-town football games have expressed their encouragement and appreciation for what we do. It just means a lot to represent our school and community in such a positive way” stated band director Eric Gray.