Dallas ISD bands unite for annual competition

In 1988, Conrad Hutchinson Jr., director of bands at Grambling State University, and Richard Johnson, head band director at South Oak Cliff High School, started a fundraiser to buy uniforms for SOC students–unknowingly planting the seeds for a Dallas ISD tradition.

“Typically, we're overshadowed by football season because Texas is a football state. Bands don’t typically see each other unless we're playing each other at a football game,” Williams said. “Some of these students formed friendships that span a lifetime. It’s a competition, but it gives the students more opportunities to bond.”

Mariah H., a senior at SOC and French horn and mellophone player, says it's an intense but friendly competition.

“Outside of us competing with one another, we're all friends, but when it comes to performances and battle of the bands, we are not buddies. You have to be confident within your playing style and musicianship,” she said.

Highlighting both traditional “show” and corps marching styles, or the integration between both, bands will perform themed marching shows that represent various musical genres ranging from current R&B, hip-hop, and pop, to some of the classics.

“It was always an exhilarating experience,” she said. “As a team, we took pride in creating innovative shows and always striving to take it to the next level by providing a complete energizing experience highlighting musical complexities, marching, and pageantry from beginning to end. The atmosphere was always invigorating, intense, and inspiring to see the creativity of the participating bands.”

This year’s Dallas Bands United Battle of the Bands will be Saturday morning, Sept. 28, at John Kincaide Stadium with a special performance by Prairie View A&M University Marching Storm. All proceeds benefit participating Dallas ISD marching band programs.