The Clarendon High School Bronco Band earned a Division I rating from all three judges Saturday at the UIL Region 1 Marching Band Contest, securing a spot at the Area contest later this month.

The 27-member band, competing in Conference 2A, performed its 2026 show, "The 80's Rocked!," under the direction of Marci Criswell. A straight-1s performance is required to advance from Region to Area competition.

Judges praised the band's musicianship, visual discipline and show design. One adjudicator noted strong tone, solid articulation and good balance on the official score sheet, describing the marching as well defined and disciplined. The judge also wrote that the music suited the group and highlighted its strengths, and closed by noting how much he enjoyed the performance.

Criswell said she was proud of the students and the work they put in over the season, noting that they grew and pushed themselves at every step.

She credited percussion technician Fisher Boone for expertise she called invaluable to the program, and thanked Traci Boyd for helping develop ideas that brought the '80s-themed show to life.

Members of the Bronco football team and head coach Brenton Whitaker attended the contest to cheer on the band, returning the support the band provides at football games each Friday night.

Criswell also thanked Clarendon High School Principal Amy Dorris, Clarendon Junior High Principal Jenae Ashbrook, and district staff members Nathan Jaramillo, Kelly Hill and Aaron Smith for their behind-the-scenes support during the season.

The Bronco Band will compete next at the UIL Area A Class 2A Marching Contest on Oct. 31 at Lowrey Field in Lubbock. The top three 2A bands at Area advance to the UIL State Marching Band Contest, set for Nov. 10 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.