History
History of the Jacksonville
High School Band
With approximately 155 trophies and plaques in the band hall, the JHS Band has a rich and proud history. The band is one of the few military style marching bands left in the United States. East Texas is the home to most of those military style bands.
Records begin with Mr. Lee Jones who was director from 1960 to 1966. The bands under Mr. Jones' tenure earned four first divisions at Enid. These awards included the most outstanding concert, marching, parade, and inspection band in class BB. The band also received three UIL Marching first division trophies.
Mr. Val Rose took over as band director in 1966 and remained until 1979. In 1975, the JHS Band earned seventy medals at the UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest, winning more than any other class AAA for four years in a row. Also, the band placed third in the class 3A Honor Band Competition which brought them one step closer to being the best band in their class in the state of Texas. In 1978, the band was recognized as the most outstanding band in their class and earned "number one" in a parade at the ContraBand Contest in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Mr. Rose's bands received twenty-six UIL first division awards and eight UIL sweepstakes awards.
Mr. Bob Parsons direction at JHS was from 1979 to 1990. The 1983 band earned its twelfth consecutive sweepstakes award and sent a record number of students to All-Region. Also, in 1985-86 the band was selected as the State class AAAA Honor Band - the best 4A concert band in the state of Texas. The group was honored in San Antonio by presenting a concert to the Texas Music EducatorsAssociation, friends, and families. During this time Mr. Parsons' bands received thirty-three UIL first division trophies and eleven UIL sweepstakes awards.
Mr. Johnny Carroll was named director from 1990 to 1994. In 1991, the band attended the Diboll Day Parade and received best in class 4A, best band overall, and best twirlers. For the twenty-first year in a row (1991), they also earned a first division in marching. The band received ten UIL first division trophies and two UIL sweepstakes awards.
Mr. Mike Bullock took over in 1994 and is currently the director. The band has traveled to competitions in Winter Park, Colorado, San Antonio, Dallas (Meyerson), Corpus Christi (winning third place in class 4A), and Crested Butte, Colorado (winning first place overall). The band has been invited and has marched through DisneyWorld, Orlando several times. So far Mr. Bullock's bands have earned thirty-eight UIL first division trophies and eight UIL sweepstakes awards.
From the Pow-Wow to Graduation and State Solo and Ensemble Contest, the Jacksonville High School Band has been there to perform and support the school district and the high school student body. Hard work and the sacrifice of time is a vital part of the organization and its success. As of 2011, the band has earned 40 UIL marching trophies an 29 UIL Sweepstakes trophies. The band is very proud of its successful record and will continue to add on to the multiple awards it has earned.