The Carroll Dragon Band carries a first-ever Bands of America regional championship into Saturday's UIL 6A Area B Marching Contest at Pennington Field in Bedford.
The contest will determine which 6A bands advance to the UIL State Marching Band Contest, scheduled for Nov. 9-11 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, according to UIL. Carroll's approximately 210 students in woodwind, brass, percussion and color guard sections will perform the same production that swept the awards in Memphis: Neon Noir.
The Dragons won the 2026 Bands of America Memphis Regional Championship on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, scoring 87.750 and earning Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance and Outstanding General Effect, according to Carroll ISD.
Carroll had never won one before.
Director of Bands Ken Johnson said the program had never previously earned a medal or finished first at a Bands of America regional.
"It was history made for our program," Johnson said, according to the district. "It was nice to see our students recognized for their performance on a national stage."
Bands of America, a program of the nonprofit Music for All, hosts regional championships that include preliminary and finals rounds. Twelve bands advance to the evening finals at each regional.
Senior flute player Ellie Lipperman, who has attended Carroll ISD since kindergarten and played flute since sixth grade, said the win reflected the group's focus all season.
"I've been in this band for four years now. We have a very dedicated group this year," Lipperman said, according to the district. "It's a cool thing to see a group of teenage kids get together and focus on one goal."
Neon Noir features "How Much a Dollar Cost," "Bird and Bella in B Flat" and "It's All Nothing Until It's Everything." The production combines those selections with neon lights that enhance the music, movement and visual effects, according to the district.
A design team began collaborating in January on the show's musical selections, visual direction, uniforms and costumes.
What's at stake Saturday
The UIL 6A Area B Marching Contest begins Saturday, Oct. 31, at Pennington Field, 1501 Central Drive in Bedford. It is a cashless event with tickets available online. The inclement weather makeup date is Nov. 3.
Prelims run during the day, with finals beginning at 7 p.m.
The UIL 6A state contest runs Nov. 9-11 at the Alamodome, with 6A prelims on Nov. 9 and 6A finals on the afternoon of Nov. 10, according to UIL. State performance schedules will be posted Sunday, Nov. 1, by 3 p.m.
