On a recent afternoon, members of the Memorial High School Marching Heat Band assembled in the band hall and gave life to music.

At the podium, Assistant Band Director Alex Frazier, then Director Trent Johnson put the students through their paces. There was work on a measure with sixteenth notes, with instruction on how each note should properly sound.

After the music was perfected, the students walked outside to a concrete parking lot near the front of the school, where they lined up and began practice on a marching routine.

Johnson explained that MHS is a show band, meaning they mix high steps, dance moves and different styles and genres of music to create their routine.

They have perfected their high-energy style of performance, and later this week will compete in the Fourth Annual Battle of the Bands hosted by Royal High School in Brookshire, Texas. MHS will battle with bands from Brookshire, Dallas, Houston, Austin, Alto, Louisiana, Tyler and Beaumont.

Johnson explains what makes MHS different from other show bands.

“Attention to details, the small things; whether pointing their toe or bringing their music home to memorize, Articulation,” Johnson said. “All of this takes time, and when we put it together, the overall look is better.”

A table in the band hall showcases some of the band’s latest awards and the reason they are ruling the South as a show band. There’s the trophy for first place-large band division and overall grand champion from Belaire High School’s Wave Fest held in Baton Rouge, La. Then there’s the trophy for first place-large band division overall grand champion designation for the competition held in Lorman, Miss. and first place-large band division overall grand champion trophy for a competition held in Opelousas, La.

Frazier said they will pull out all the stops to make sure they earn top ratings at the coming competition.

“We are able to do some things others are not able to do,” Frazier said. “We have harder drills and definitely have songs pulled out for the competition. We have some blues, R&B, contemporary, such as ‘Willie Wonka and the Chocolate factory.’ We want to be as versatile as we can.”

Johnson and Frazier are proud of their marching students.

“It’s really a reflection on the kids’ accomplishments,” Frazier said about the awards. “A lot of them come from blue collar families and this gives them an opportunity at school pride. To hear the crowd chanting ‘Memorial’ in the stands.”

Baritone player and band captain Jeremy Daniels summed up what the accomplishments mean to him and fellow students.

“This opens more doors for us, new opportunities. We are happy to be getting all of these chances,” Daniels said.

The Marching Heat is also scheduled for a rare, second invitation to perform at Southern University in Baton Rouge, La.

“It’s rare to go to Southern University to perform at halftime and even more rare to be asked to go back a second time,” Daniels said. “This is a major achievement.”

Frazier is excited about the return trip to Southern University for the halftime performance later this month.

“I’m doubly honored. I am a Memorial High School graduate and Southern University is my alma mater,” he said.

Senior student Daniels explained that the band students are dedicated. Many arrive at school at 6:45 a.m., attend classes then practice after school and may not go home until after 6 p.m. or later.

“We do so to make sure the whole band gels together and all of us do our part for the big picture,” he said.

Many of the band students become eligible to receive scholarships, some from Texas A&M, Prairie View, Southern University and more, Johnson said. Some of the scholarships are for academics and others for band. Of the 23 seniors in band this year, at least four are in the top 10 of their class.

“Our administration is very supportive of us, and the superintendent and principal go out of their way to support us,” Johnson said.

Band parents are also very supportive of the students and help with needed fundraisers. The school is only able to fund University Interscholastic League supported events, so donations and fundraisers help with competition trips to Louisiana, Mississippi and other areas.

Frazier said there are 80 students who march on the field and 95 total in the band.

“We have a very diverse group here. Hispanics, Asians, African Americans and white and all are dedicated to make it work,” Frazier said. “One hundred percent of the band passed their courses and are able to participate in band activities.”

Johnson said the students show a tremendous amount of dedication by balancing playing, marching and performing.

The accomplishments of the band that was formed when three former high schools consolidated more than a decade ago is now a reflection on Memorial High School.

“The kids take ownership at Memorial, all of the students,” Johnson said. “It’s not just their parents’ tradition. They recognize this as theirs.”

Memorial High School will host its Third Annual Battle of the Bands Jan. 14, with bands coming from Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi to compete.

Mary Meaux: 409-721-2429

Twitter: @MaryMeauxPANews