This article was originally published in The Examiner on Nov. 17, 2016.
By Eleanor Skelton
Staff Writer
The Little Cypress Mauriceville Battlin’ Bear Band stopped by Ford Park on their way to an away game in Navasota on Friday, Nov. 4, for a midday rehearsal.
The band went to the UIL State Marching Band Contest in San Antonio on Monday, Nov. 7, where they competed in the Alamodome in San Antonio and finished the season as the 11th best 4A band in Texas.
“We’re getting ready for the state marching band competition, but since most of our venues aren’t a dome, it’s a different sound,” said Jose Ochoa, LCM Battlin’ Bears band director.
“We reached out to Ford Park and [they] generously offered to let us use it free of charge,” he said. “We’re so used to playing outside; they’re not used to being in air conditioning when they’re playing like this.”
Dozens of students lined up with their instruments and flags to perform their set. When their instruments and other equipment, which travel in a separate bus, were delayed in arriving for about a half hour, the students clustered in groups, dancing and chatting.
Once everyone was in place, Ochoa led the band, going through the program. The LCM band includes several flag wavers, as well as a full orchestra.
Eleanor Skelton 