Bridgeland High School Marching Band Advances to 2026 UIL State Finals as Three CFISD Bands Celebrate Outstanding Seasons

For the fourth time in school history, the Bridgeland High School marching band has earned a place among Texas' top Class 6A marching bands, advancing to the finals of the 2026 UIL State Marching Band Contest in San Antonio. The achievement marks another memorable chapter for the Bridgeland Bears and a proud moment for families, educators and supporters throughout Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.

Bridgeland is one of just 14 high schools competing in the Class 6A finals on Tuesday, November 10, following the preliminary competition at the Alamodome on November 9. Under the direction of Shawn McAnear, the band is scheduled to perform its 2026 production, "Finding the Silver Lining," at 2:15 p.m.

The trip to the finals is especially meaningful for the students who have spent months rehearsing, refining their performances and balancing the demands of marching band with their schoolwork and other commitments. For the families and community members who have followed their progress from the stands throughout the season, it is another opportunity to celebrate what these young musicians have accomplished together.

“We worked really hard this year, and we couldn’t have done it without all the people that support us, so we really appreciate it,” said Bridgeland senior Megan McMahon.

Three CFISD Marching Bands Represent Cypress at the 2026 UIL State Contest

Bridgeland was not the only Cypress-Fairbanks ISD school competing on the state's biggest marching band stage. Cy-Fair High School and Cypress Woods High School also qualified for the 2026 UIL Class 6A State Marching Band Contest, with all three schools taking part in the preliminary round at San Antonio's Alamodome on Monday, November 9.

This year marked the sixth consecutive year that CFISD has sent three high school marching bands to the state competition, a significant achievement for the district's fine arts programs.

While Bridgeland advanced to the finals, Cypress Woods and Cy-Fair concluded their competitive seasons with state appearances that reflect years of dedication from students, band directors, instructors and families.

Cypress Woods High School made its seventh consecutive state contest appearance with "Nachtmusik," directed by T.J. Peterman. The Wildcats' continued presence at the state level speaks to the consistency of a program that has become a familiar name in Texas high school marching band competition.

Cypress Woods High School Principal Lloyd Turner shared his appreciation for the students and everyone who helped them reach this point.

“As Principal of Cy Woods, I couldn’t be more proud: proud of our students, proud of our directors, proud of our parents,” Turner said. “It’s just a great night. Making it to state is such a big deal, and for our kids to come out with the energy and the pride and the spirit, they’re just a talented group of students, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Advertisement

Cy-Fair High School Celebrates Fifth Consecutive State Appearance and a Special Reunion

For Cy-Fair High School's marching band, the 2026 UIL State Marching Band Contest marked its fifth consecutive state appearance. The Bobcats performed their show, "Fragile," under the direction of Shane Montoya, who is serving his first year as Cy-Fair's band director.

This year's competition carried an additional personal significance for Montoya.

Before becoming Cy-Fair's director, Montoya taught the school's current senior class when those students were sixth graders at Arnold Middle School. Seven years later, he had the opportunity to lead many of those same young musicians onto the field at the state level.

“I got to teach them how to open their cases for the first time, play their instrument for the first time, and to see them performing on the field after seven years of band experience, it’s really magical,” Montoya said.

For families familiar with the progression from middle school band to high school marching band, the connection offers a meaningful reminder of how much students grow through their years in music education. What begins with learning how to assemble an instrument can eventually lead to performing alongside some of the strongest marching bands in Texas.

Bridgeland's Finals Appearance Continues CFISD's State Marching Band Tradition

Bridgeland's advancement also extends another impressive district milestone. With the Bears reaching the finals this year, CFISD has now had at least one high school marching band advance to the UIL State Marching Band Contest finals for four consecutive years.

John Morrison, CFISD's Director of Fine Arts, recognized the accomplishments of all three programs while wishing Bridgeland well in the final round.

“It’s quite an honor as a district to continue our run of sending three schools to the 6A state contest. The excellence of our programs continues to inspire the next members of these fantastic bands,” Morrison said. “Congratulations to Cypress Woods High School and Cy-Fair High School on your incredible seasons, and best of luck to the Bridgeland High School Band on earning your spot in the finals of the UIL State Marching Band Contest.”

For the Cypress, Bridgeland and Cy-Fair communities, these achievements are about more than competition results. They reflect the dedication of students who spend countless hours learning music and choreography, the teachers who guide them, and the parents and volunteers who help make the demanding marching season possible.

The accomplishments also give younger musicians throughout CFISD something to work toward as they develop their own skills and begin imagining what their high school band experiences might hold.

What's Next for the Bridgeland High School Marching Band?

The Bridgeland Bears are scheduled to take the field at 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Alamodome in San Antonio for the UIL Class 6A State Marching Band Contest finals.

The band's performance of "Finding the Silver Lining" will provide one more opportunity to showcase the musicianship, precision and teamwork that earned the program its fourth state finals appearance.

Regardless of the final rankings, the 2026 marching season has already delivered important milestones for all three CFISD programs, with Bridgeland, Cypress Woods and Cy-Fair representing their schools and the greater Cypress community on the state stage.

Residents can find official contest information and results through the University Interscholastic League.

Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for updates on Bridgeland's state finals performance and more achievements from students, educators and schools throughout Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.