Lone Star College-Montgomery Historical Marching Band Wins Top Honor at The Woodlands Fourth of July Parade
A group of Lone Star College-Montgomery students brought history to life in front of thousands of spectators this Independence Day, earning the top overall honor at one of The Woodlands’ longest-running community celebrations.
Lord Stirling’s Fifes & Drums received the President’s Choice Award for best overall representation of the parade’s theme and spirit during the 50th annual South County Fourth of July Parade, held July 4 along Market Street in The Woodlands.
The recognition marked a memorable moment for students who spent months learning traditional music, marching techniques and the history behind the uniforms they wore.
“It was a lot of fun,” said Craig Livingston, Ph.D., a Lone Star College-Montgomery history professor and director of Lord Stirling’s Fifes & Drums. “The students felt like rockstars with 8,000 people lining the parade route, cheering and clapping. They were thrilled that all their hard work paid off.”
Students Help Bring American History to Life
The Lone Star College-Montgomery historical marching band performed “Yankee Doodle” and “The Yellow Rose of Texas” alongside traditional marching bands, fire trucks, floats and other community groups.
This year’s parade carried added historical significance as communities across the country prepare to recognize the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The students’ uniforms were inspired by the Fourth Independent Company of Maryland State Troops from 1776. Their clothing included purple hunting shirts, brown leather belts, cocked tricorn hats and buckled shoes designed to reflect the appearance of Revolutionary War-era soldiers.
Lord Stirling’s Fifes & Drums takes its name from William Alexander, a Continental Army officer known as Lord Stirling who served alongside George Washington during the Revolutionary War.
For parade spectators, the group offered more than a musical performance. It gave families and children a chance to see, hear and experience a small part of early American history in the middle of a familiar local celebration.
A Lone Star College-Montgomery Tradition Nearly Two Decades in the Making
Livingston has taught American history and military history at Lone Star College-Montgomery since 1995. His interest in fife and drum music began long before he entered the classroom.
“Watching a fife and drum corps at George Washington’s home as a 6-year-old was my first gateway into the historical profession,” Livingston said. “I don’t think anything evokes American history better than a fife and drum corps.”
In 2007, Livingston secured a grant that allowed the college to purchase six fifes and four traditional rope-tension drums. Since then, he has taught students how to march and perform historic songs including “The Road to Boston” and “Hell on the Wabash.”
Over the past two decades, Lord Stirling’s Fifes & Drums has participated in approximately 10 Independence Day parades in The Woodlands. The group was also named Most Patriotic in 2013.
The 2026 President’s Choice Award included a $250 cash prize. The money will be used to support ongoing uniform and equipment needs for the student organization.
Historical Music Creates Lasting Opportunities for Students
Participation in Lord Stirling’s Fifes & Drums gives Lone Star College-Montgomery students an opportunity to build performance experience while developing a deeper understanding of American history.
Students learn to play instruments commonly used during the 18th century, perform as a coordinated marching unit and represent the college at public events throughout the Houston area.
The experience can also become a distinctive addition to a student’s resume, particularly for those studying history, education, music, theater or other public-facing fields.
The award also highlights the role that Lone Star College-Montgomery student organizations play beyond campus. By participating in community events such as The Woodlands Fourth of July Parade, students help connect local families with educational experiences in unexpected and engaging ways.
Connecting Students With Campus and Community Life
Lord Stirling’s Fifes & Drums is one of several ways Lone Star College students can become involved in clubs, organizations, sports, music, theater and fine arts programs.
Lone Star College System enrolls more than 90,000 students each semester and provides academic transfer programs, career training and workforce education throughout the Greater Houston area. The system includes eight colleges, six centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College.
For students interested in learning more about campus organizations and activities, information is available through Lone Star College Student Life.
As Lord Stirling’s Fifes & Drums continues preparing future students to carry forward the musical traditions of early America, its latest honor serves as a reminder that history is not limited to textbooks. Sometimes, it marches directly through the heart of the community.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more stories about local students, schools and community achievements across The Woodlands and Montgomery County.
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.