Lake Belton Stampede Marching Band advances to state

Special to the Journal

The sound of success is ringing across Belton ISD as the Lake Belton High School Stampede Marching Band has once again advanced to the UIL State Marching Band Contest.

The achievement marks the continuation of a tradition of excellence for the Stampede, which has advanced to the state level every year since the school opened in 2020.

Under the direction of Bobby Yergin, the Stampede’s 2023 show, The Crown, features music by Richard Wagner and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Students began preparing the music in mid-July before adding drill and choreography in August. Yergin said the ensemble’s consistency and drive have helped cement a culture of excellence.

“The culture of expecting this to be ‘normal’ was built from day one,” Yergin said. “This program and these students don’t know anything different, so it feels completely natural to us. We expect to be in this position year after year.”

As they prepare for the state contest, Yergin said the show’s fast-paced precision and detail.

“These last two weeks of preparation have been more intense and fine-detail driven,” he explained. “We can play the music and march the drill just like everyone else, but it’s the small refinements that will ultimately separate the bands that advance. As I tell the kids, it’s the little things now that make the biggest difference.”

For the students of the Stampede, this season has been defined by growth and pride.

Junior Gabe Jones said seeing the band’s progress from pre-season to performance has been especially rewarding.

“No matter what, rain or shine, we show up, we work hard and get better,” he said. Senior drum major Olivia Caldwell called it “a defining year for the young program. “Seeing the band’s energy in real time is exhilarating,” she said. “This season has really shown who the Stampede is and what we’re made of. If I could describe us in one word, it would be tenacious.”

That determination, junior Jill Stewart added, “helps us overcome challenges and bring the music to life.”

Junior Male Averitt, an experienced marcher, said the band’s focus and discipline have been key to its success.

We’ve kept raising expectations. High School’s M100 Marching Band capped off a remarkable season this year with a powerful performance of Between the Stones. Directed by Kevin Kwak, the show explores the emotions and energy of rain, storms and sunlight through an imaginative musical journey.

“Our 3-day fundamentals camp began last school year at the end of April,” Kwak said. “Our guard and percussion students began preparing in mid-July, and the full band came together at the end of the month for summer rehearsals. From that point forward, our students poured their hearts into every performance.”

Senior low brass section leader and drum major Thomas Nguyen reflected on the experience, saying his favorite part of the show came during the fourth movement, when the flute’s many amazing moving parts. Percussion instructor John Nord, had pushed perseverance.

“Our band program has pushed through many challenges and continues to grow and improve as a team,” he said.

Belton ISD Director of Fine Arts Keith Zuehlke said the Stampede’s return to state and M100’s outstanding string of performances both represent the district’s culture of excellence students and staff have built together.

“From advancing early in the marching season to the tradition, discipline and attention to detail it takes to advance to state, both bands have performed at a high level—all while demonstrating the values that Belton ISD prides itself on,” Zuehlke said. “For Lake Belton Stampede, the thrill of competing on state’s biggest stage, performing for tens of thousands —and advancing—are memories that will stay with them forever.”

Zuehlke added that while only one band advanced, both programs represent the heart of Belton ISD’s fine arts community. “Both the Stampede and M100 demonstrate what it means to strive for excellence,” he said. “Each performance, from rehearsal fields to competition stages, builds confidence, leadership and lifelong memories. We couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments and the way they represent Belton ISD.”

Board Vice President and Stampede Booster Chris Ochoa echoed that sentiment, noting the importance of shared success across both programs.

What stands out most is the extraordinary commitment and endurance our students show every day,” Flohr said. “Marching band demands both physical and mental strength, with hours of practice that rival any athletic program, from the heat of summer band camp through the final competition in November. Yet through it all, they bring passion, pride and a desire to perform their best. Their dedication reflects the very best of what it means to be a Belton ISD student — driven, disciplined and committed to excellence.”



He added that both the Stampede and Belton High School M100 Marching Band will perform at the Alamodome in November. The Stampede competes Monday, November 11, at the Alamodome in San Antonio.