Photo by Mike Alzamora/Arp ISD


Arp ISD band director Chris Cook had only made the decision to scrap a drill once before during his 28-year tenure with the school district.

Six weeks ago, Cook felt the need to do it a second time.

However, the Tiger Pride Band rose to the challenge of learning a whole new marching drill.

"They actually performed this drill four times (fully) before we went to marching contest," Cook explained.  "It's amazing what they've accomplished in a short amount of time."

Arp pulled off a first division superior rating at the UIL Region 21 Marching Contest last weekend, punching their ticket to the the UIL Area C Marching Contest Saturday at Lindale's Eagle Stadium.

It marks the first time since 2017 that Arp competes in the area competition.

The Tiger Band's prelim performance is set for 2:00 p.m.  Should they advance to the finals, those performances begin at 6:15 p.m.  Admission for all spectators is $5.00 per person.

The Arp Marching Tigers will be competing for a berth in the UIL State Marching contest.

The top six bands Saturday will qualify for State in San Antonio on Nov. 1-3.

The Tiger Pride Band will get one final tune up at the Arp Varsity football game at Winona Friday at 7:30 p.m.

On Friday nights, four varsity football players senior A.J. Arrington, sophomore Fisher Arrington, junior Hunter Nash, and sophomore Bryant Hayes take their shoulder pads off at halftime to perform as part of the Marching Tigers along with two cheerleaders sophomores Sarah Hunley, and Macey Ducksworth.