<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3OrdqI_1Eyg07TN00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3OrdqI_1Eyg07TN00" width="1763" height="1175" ><figcaption>The Como-Pickton High School Marching Band performs part of their “The Flame Within” show during a recent football game. The band in under the direction of Craig Ingram. Staff Photo by DJ Spencer</figcaption></figure>There is growth, and then there is momentum. For the Como-Pickton band program, the past several years have brought plenty of both. Now entering his fifth year with the program, Director Craig Ingram has watched the Como-Pickton band continue to develop in size, ability and expectations. The program enters the new school year with approximately 64 students on the roster, including eight seniors, and with a recent history that has given the group plenty to build upon.The band has finished first in marching competition each of the past two years, a run of success that has helped establish new standards within the program. Last year, Como-Pickton advanced to Area competition and finished only one position away from qualifying for state.The concert program has also enjoyed success, advancing to the semifinals of the State Honor Band competition.For Ingram, however, the focus this year is not simply on what the band has already accomplished. It is on what comes next.This year's marching show is titled “The Flame Within,” an idea that fits a group being challenged to continue pushing itself forward. Ingram said one of the things he is most excited about this season is the leadership developing within the band. Drum Major Kaylee Lavender emphasized that the program is becoming more efficient and learning to approach responsibilities by doing the right thing, the right way and for the right reasons. Being efficient means not wasting time and being mindful of other people.That leadership will be important for a relatively young band. The group's student leaders include Drum Major Kaylee Lavender, brass captain Jackson Jones and woodwind captain Miranda Olguin, percussion captain Kevin Macario, and color guard captain Roselynn Amador. Lavender stressed how important this leadership team has been in guiding the excitement of the younger members.Despite the youth of the group, Ingram sees enthusiasm as one of its strengths. The students are excited about where the program is going and eager to continue building upon the success of recent years.The goals reflect those expectations. Como-Pickton wants to continue improving, establish new limits for what the program is capable of accomplishing and make sure practice time is used efficiently. Among the major competitive goals is finishing among the top three at Area and earning a trip to the state marching contest.That type of success does not begin when the band takes the field on a Friday night. Preparation starts long before the first football game. Students participate in leadership training and camps while spending hours learning music, marching fundamentals and the increasingly complicated elements of the show. The Texas heat often limits what the band can do outside, but they have found facilities that allow them to put in the work while remaining safe. Innovation has become part of the culture of the Como-Pickton band. This year's production will consist of four parts, with Ingram hoping to have the first two portions installed before the opening football game. The production will also feature new props and new uniforms as the program continues to expand what it puts on the field.For those watching from the stands, the finished performance may last only a few minutes. The work behind those minutes lasts much longer. That work has become part of the culture Ingram and his students have developed during the program's growth. Expectations have changed because the students themselves have shown what is possible.Ingram and Lavender both reiterated just how important the community support has been for the band. The Como-Pickton community has supported all of their fundraising endeavors and patrons from the entire county have stepped up to help. Ingram expressed his gratitude for the band boosters and emphasized the direct impact that support has on the students. Knowing that people across the community care about and support them can change how students interact with the world.This community support becomes increasingly important as the program grows. New uniforms, props, travel, competitions and the countless other needs of a successful band program require support that extends beyond the students and directors themselves.But what happens once the band takes the field remains in the hands of the students. For the past two years, those students have made school history in marching competition. They have reached Area and come within a single spot of advancing to state. The concert band has competed at the State Honor Band semifinal level. Those accomplishments are no longer simply goals. They are the standard from which the next Como-Pickton band will begin.A new group of students will take the field this fall. They will wear new uniforms, perform a new show and face a new set of expectations. The show may be called “The Flame Within.” For Como-Pickton, the challenge now is seeing just how brightly that flame can burn.</div></body>

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There is growth, and then there is momentum. For the Como-Pickton band program, the past several years have brought plenty of both. Now entering his fifth year with the program, Director Craig Ingram has watched the Como-Pickton band continue to develop in size, ability and expectations. The program enters the new school year with approximately 64 students on the roster, including eight seniors, and with a recent history that has given the group plenty to build upon.

Como-Pickton Band: The Flame Within

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There is growth, and then there is momentum. For the Como-Pickton band program, the past several years have brought plenty of both. Now entering his fifth 

Como-Pickton Band: The Flame Within

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