School News
Bells High School Band rated Superior in competition, invited to SMU's 'Day of the Bands'
By Jerry Powers
Nov 9, 2004

Gilmer -- On Saturday October 23,2004 the Bells High School Band traveled to Gilmer, TX. to take part in the 67th East Texas Yamborie Festival. The band marched in the Annual Yamborie parade and competed in the 35th annual Yamborie Marching Band Fiesta. The band was invited and this year is the first year that the band has competed in a marching contest. Following their performance, the Panther Band received a superior rating from all three judges for their show.
 
The Yamborie is held every year in Gilmer, TX. and draws over one hundred thousand people during the 4-day event each October, the event has been held every year since 1935 with exception of a three year period during World War II.
 
This year the band has been very active.  They hosted Southeastern Oklahoma State University Band during the Bells - Whitewright game. The Bells Panther Drum Line traveled to the Denison - Forney football game as guests and Bells hosted the Denison High Drum Line during the Bells - Gunter football game.
 
The Bells Panther Band was established six years ago and is under the direction of Mike Walker. They have been invited to attend SMU's Day of the Bands on November 13th, during the SMU vs. Nevada football game at Gerald Ford Field in Dallas.
 
Bells Panther Band marched in the 67th annual Yamborie Festival parade on October 23rd, and received a superior rating in the marching competition. (photo by Jerry Powers)
The Bells Panther Band performed in the 35th annual Yamboree Marching Band Fiesta in Gilmer, TX. The band received a superior rating. (photo by Jerry Powers)
Members of the Bells HS Panther Band L to R Jeremy Green, Matt Powers, Raymond Stanek, and Ashley Hale during the bands performance at the Gilmer 35th Annual Yamboree Marching Band Fiesta. The band received a superior rating for their show. (photo by Jerry Powers)
Raymond Stanek reaches for his note on the trumpet beside Matt Powers and Stephanie Batchelor during Saturday's competition at the Gilmer Annual Yamboree Marching Band Fiesta. The Bells HS Panther Band recieved a superior rating for their performance. (photo by Jerry Powers)