Alice High School UIL Sweepstakes Band
Historical Background
- The Alice High School band was founded in 1933.
- Legendary band director Bryce Taylor, who began his tenure in 1960, led the band for 50 years. Under his leadership, the band earned 29 consecutive UIL Sweepstakes Awards and placed top five in Class 5A at the TMEA Honor Band auditions twelve times.
- Alice High School was also among the first five high schools to receive the prestigious Sudler Flag of Honor, recognizing sustained concert band excellence nationally.
Recent Activity & State-Level Participation
- In October 2023, the marching band advanced to a state-level UIL competition, a significant milestone reflecting their competitive strength.
- Their history includes earlier UIL participation: they performed at the UIL 4A State Marching Contest preliminaries in November 1999 at Floyd Casey Stadium.
Program Philosophy & Support
- The band program aims to inspire lifelong appreciation for music, cultivate performance excellence, and foster teamwork, discipline, and creativity. The program values inclusivity, school spirit, and strong community ties.
- A Band Booster Club actively supports students, staff, and the school community—critical for sustaining the program's success and engagement.
Student Achievement Beyond Marching
- Band members demonstrated excellence in other UIL areas: at a Solo and Ensemble UIL event held at Texas A\&M University–Kingsville, 18 students earned first-division ratings, and 11 qualified for the state level.
