LITTLE RIVER, Texas (KWTX) - Academy High School’s marching band is getting ready to compete in the state competition for the first time in 24 years.

The band qualified for the prestigious 3A state competition after great showings at both district competition in Troy and area competition in Robinson.

The Academy Bee Band Head Director Jennifer Essary is in her fourth year with the program and says every year gets better.

“Last year we were so close to making state,” Essary said. “We fell just short and this year we came back with a vengeance, and I think it really spurred the students to try extra hard, do the extra work, go the extra mile every day to really help us meet our goals.”

Avry Hoffman is the senior head drum major and said leading such a talented group of musicians has been

See Full Page