The Spirit of Waxahachie Indian Band is advancing to state following a second-place finish at the Area contest on Saturday at Pennington Field.

Performing their show “1849,” a show based on Americans’ journey westward to find gold, the band placed second out of 35 bands in the preliminary contest, before their first place music and second-place finals finish later that evening.

“I’m really proud of the energy and the tenacity that the band performed with on Saturday night,” senior and head drum major Owen Bartosh said following the placement. “The brass had an epic sound and the woodwinds played their technique with skill. The band ranked first in music, carrying the ensemble to a second place finish overall.”

Many things go into creating a state-bound show, including flags, horn angles, and counting as well as positive attitudes, passion, and integrity. Senior drum major Eric Terrones said the most challenging thing to get this far down the road “was all having the same mindset.” When a set of ideas and minds work together they create an amazing symphony of music and a beautiful bouquet of colors.

“It is amazing being able to continue the story and being one of the main highlights that can add so much emotion to the show,” color-guard soloist Teralyn Johnson describes

The performance also includes several difficult solo passages played on several intricate instruments.

“I love being a soloist because it shows I am a hard worker and I really love playing,”senior soloist Genesis Stout said.

Following the state contest, Stout and many other seniors will find that this is their last time stepping on the Alamodome field.

“I built a lot of friendships this year,” senior Hamilton Drew said. “I am anticipating moving on and trying new things. Thinking about these seniors leaving makes me realize I am the one leaving as well.”

The band will perform for the preliminary round on Monday with finals following on Tuesday.