The Colony High School Triumphs: Everything You Need To Know About The 2025 Don Hanna Memorial Marching Contest
The Don Hanna Memorial Marching Contest stands as one of the premier early-season marching band competitions in Texas, serving as a critical proving ground for high school programs preparing for the rigorous UIL (University Interscholastic League) season. As of today, December 24, 2025, the excitement is already building for the 9th annual event, which is scheduled to take place in October 2025, following a spectacular 2024 contest that saw The Colony High School Band claim the coveted championship title. Hosted by the dedicated Ryan Raider Band Booster Club, this contest honors the legacy of a Texas music education icon and consistently draws top-tier talent to the C.H. Collins Athletic Complex.
This article provides an in-depth look at the man behind the memorial, the structure of the competition, the stunning results from the most recent 2024 season, and the essential details for the upcoming 2025 contest, ensuring you have the freshest, most up-to-date information on this influential event in the Texas marching arts community.
The Enduring Legacy: A Full Biography of Donald E. Hanna
The Don Hanna Memorial Marching Contest is named in honor of Donald E. Hanna, a highly respected and influential figure in Texas music education whose career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on countless students and programs. His commitment to excellence and mentorship is the spirit that drives the annual competition.
Donald E. Hanna (1941–2014) Profile:
- Full Name: Donald E. Hanna
- Years Lived: 1941–2014
- Early Career: Mr. Hanna served as a band director in Texas public schools for many years, inspiring students at various programs across the state.
- Notable Public School Position: He was the band director at Fort Stockton High School during the 1969–1970 school year, where he was remembered as one of the "finest directors and nicest" people.
- Higher Education Role: After retiring from public schools in 1994, he became the Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at Hardin-Simmons University. He held this prestigious position for eight years.
- Later Career: Even after his tenure at Hardin-Simmons University, he continued to teach, including directing the band program at Pantego Christian Academy from 2003 to 2004.
- Professional Recognition: He was a distinguished member of the Phi Beta Mu - Alpha Chapter, an international bandmasters fraternity, and was inducted into their Hall of Fame (Class of 2007).
- Personal Life: He and his wife, Shirley, began to notice each other during a Concert and Cowboy Band tour, highlighting his lifelong connection to music.
The contest serves as a living tribute to his legacy, promoting the same standards of musicality and marching precision he championed throughout his life.
2024 Contest Results: The Colony High School's Championship Run
The 8th annual Don Hanna Memorial Marching Contest, held in October 2024, proved to be a high-stakes, competitive event, showcasing the exceptional talent in the North Texas region. The competition, known for its challenging prelims-finals format, saw several bands deliver memorable performances.
The 2024 Grand Champion
The ultimate victors of the 2024 Don Hanna Memorial Marching Contest were The Colony High School Marching Band. Their show, titled "It's About Time," captivated the judges and the audience, securing them the prestigious title of Contest Champions.
Other Top Performances and Key Entities
The preliminary rounds are crucial, as they determine which bands advance to the final showcase. The 2024 contest featured strong performances across multiple classifications, including:
- The Colony High School: In addition to winning the Grand Championship, The Colony band secured a 4th Place finish at the US Bands Dallas Regional competition, demonstrating their consistent high-level performance throughout the season.
- Frisco ISD Bands: Programs from Frisco ISD had a successful showing, with one band achieving 1st Place in the Class 4A Prelims and advancing to finish 6th Place overall in the Finals.
- Centennial High School: The Centennial Band, a frequent participant, also earned a 6th Place finish at the Don Hanna Marching Invitational during their winning 2024 season.
These results underscore the high level of competition at the Don Hanna event, where success in the prelims is essential for a shot at the overall championship title in the finals.
What to Expect from the 2025 Don Hanna Memorial Marching Contest
The upcoming 9th annual Don Hanna Memorial Marching Contest is already generating significant buzz, serving as a critical mid-season test for marching bands across Texas. The contest is strategically timed to allow bands to refine their shows before the crucial UIL Region and Area competitions.
Key Details for the 2025 Event
For bands, parents, and fans planning to attend the next event, here are the essential logistics:
- Contest Name: The 9th Annual Don Hanna Memorial Marching Band Contest
- Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
- Location: C.H. Collins Athletic Complex (Collins Stadium), 1500 Long Rd, Denton, TX 76207
- Host: The event is proudly hosted by the dedicated volunteers of the Ryan Raider Band Booster Club.
- Format: The contest maintains its competitive and exciting prelims-finals structure, ensuring a full day of high-quality performances.
Judging and Competition Structure
One of the reasons the Don Hanna contest is so highly regarded is its commitment to providing valuable feedback that directly prepares bands for the state-level UIL contests. The competition utilizes the same judge score sheets and ranking system as the UIL. This critical feature means that the judges—often high-profile music educators and marching arts experts—evaluate the bands on the criteria that matter most for advancing in the Texas state championships, including:
- Music Performance: Focusing on intonation, tone quality, and musical effect.
- Visual Performance: Assessing marching technique, drill execution, and visual effect.
- General Effect: Evaluating the overall impact and design of the show, including creativity and emotional engagement.
The prelims-finals structure ensures that the top-scoring bands from the morning and afternoon preliminary rounds get a second chance to perform and compete for the overall Grand Champion title in the evening Finals. This format allows directors to test their show's endurance and make final, high-pressure adjustments.
Why the Don Hanna Contest Matters for Texas Marching Bands
The Don Hanna Memorial Marching Contest is more than just a competition; it is a vital part of the Texas marching band ecosystem. Its strategic timing and UIL-aligned judging make it an indispensable resource for band directors.
The Contest's Impact:
1. UIL Preparation: By using the UIL score sheets and ranking system, the contest provides a realistic simulation of the UIL Region and Area competitions. This gives directors a clear, actionable roadmap for necessary show adjustments.
2. High-Caliber Competition: Drawing bands from Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, and other major Texas school districts, the contest guarantees a high level of competition. Competing against top programs like The Colony High School or Frisco ISD schools pushes all participants to elevate their performance standards.
3. Community and Legacy: The event successfully unites the community, with the Ryan Raider Band Booster Club mobilizing parents and volunteers to ensure a smooth and professional contest experience. This collaborative effort preserves the positive, educational spirit of the late Donald E. Hanna, fostering a supportive environment for the marching arts.
The Don Hanna Memorial Marching Contest continues to honor a great music educator by providing a platform for the next generation of performers to achieve excellence. All eyes will be on the C.H. Collins Athletic Complex on Saturday, October 4, 2025, to see who will follow in the footsteps of The Colony High School and claim the 9th annual championship.
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