Menard Band Wins Class 1A State Marching Title
Menard High School's band claimed its third UIL state marching championship in school history at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Rodeo
Menard High School's marching band won the Class 1A UIL state championship on Tuesday night at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The win, with a score of nine points, edged Knox City by two points.
Why it matters
The title marks Menard's third state marching band championship, following earlier wins in 2021 and 2023, and represents a rebound from its third-place finish in 2024 and runner-up result last year. The result underscores the continued strength of small-school band programs across Texas.
Menard earned the top score from two judges, the second-best from two others, and the third-best from one, with bands judged on music by three judges and visuals by two. Scoring details beyond these rankings were not provided in the extraction.
The players
Menard High School
A public high school in Menard, Texas, whose marching band won the Class 1A UIL state championship.
Rebekah Cook
The director of the Menard High School band since 2023, credited with leading the program to its state title.
The details
Menard's band, directed by Rebekah Cook since 2023, beat Knox City, Baird, Irion County, Claude, Whiteface, and O'Donnell in the Class 1A finals. Water Valley finished 11th in preliminary rounds.
Timeline
2019: Menard placed fifth at state marching band finals.
2021: Menard won a prior state marching band title.
2023: Menard won another state title, and Rebekah Cook began directing the band.
2024: Menard placed third at state marching band finals.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Menard won the Class 1A state championship at the Alamodome.
Season Trajectory
Menard's latest title follows state championships in 2021 and 2023, extending a run that includes a runner-up finish last year and a third-place result in 2024. The Class 1A title adds to a record of consistent competitive finishes for the program.
The result sets Menard as a top contender in Class 1A competition for the coming season. Fans following small-school band circuits can track how the program's standing shifts after this championship.
The takeaway
Menard's third state title shows how consistent preparation and strong judging performance can lift a small-school band to the top of its class. Readers interested in band competition can follow Texas UIL results each season.
Further reading
For more on the state's competitive scene, explore Texas Rodeo coverage.
