At the end of October, private school Marching Bands, Field Bands, and Drumlines from all over Texas participated in the annual TAPPS Marching & Field Band Championships in Waco, TX.
After an amazing show called “Valhalla”, the Crusaders claimed the State Championship in the Tier 1 Field Band portion! Concordia received an overall rating of 1 (highest possible out of 3) and finished as the overall top field band with Rosehill Christian School and Brentwood Christian School rounding out the top 3.
In the Drumline competition, Concordia competed in the Tier 2 division against 10 other schools. Again, the Crusaders received an overall rating of 1 (highest possible out of 3) and finished narrowly as the State Runner-Up behind Nolan Catholic High School (Fort Worth, TX).
The different tiers are based on number of students in each discipline. Concordia’s Field Band included 49 members and was one of the largest in the event and competed in Tier 1. The tiers for drumline were split into three groups: Tier 1: 16+ members, Tier 2: 11-15, and Tier 3: 1-10. Concordia’s Drumline featured 11 students.
With both CLHS groups having earned a division 1 “superior” rating from the judges (highest available rating), the points earned at the Fall Band Championships will count toward the overall State Band Championships in April 2026 in addition to the solos, and small & large ensembles later this school year.
Concordia’s Field Band performance was titled “Valhalla – 2025” and included four pieces and was under the direction of Drum Major Michael Mueller ’26. Mueller conducted a very difficult set with multiple tempo and meter changes and kicked things off with a macarena salute that grabbed the judge’s attention from the beginning.
The Crusader Drumline performance included pieces featuring a Latin timbale solo by Aydan Wright ’26 and a big trash can finish of the song “Heavy Metal Jam” by Wright, Mueller, Elijah Iwama ’27, and Jake Mahlmann ’28.
Overall, the band/drumline were missing almost 10% of the students due to sickness that week and required many adjustments and instrumental changes but the entire group showed resilience and picked each other up to perform to the best of their abilities.
For the last four school years, Concordia’s Band Program has finished as State Champions. Points can be earned from Field Band, Handbells, Solos, Large Ensembles, and Small Ensembles. It is a long year of competition and performance pieces, and we look forward to hearing the instrumental groups grow throughout the year!
For more information about Concordia's Fine Arts programs including our Instrumental Music offerings, visit www.sadernationtx.com/finearts