Headed To Waco: Bullard Band Director Reflects On Journey To UIL State Championship

BULLARD, Texas (TXAN 24) — Ahead of tomorrow’s UIL State Military Marching Band Championships, Bullard’s band director sat down with TXAN 24 News to reflect on a journey years in the making.

For Sergio Olivares, the road to state carries a special meaning. The senior class competing this week was his first group of band students, and he has watched them grow as musicians and young adults throughout their time together. His current juniors were the first students he brought into the band program.

A graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University and Brownsboro High School, Olivares credited the support of his wife and two sons, along with Bullard’s administration, principals, superintendent, football coaches and fine arts educators, for helping the program reach this point.

Preparation for the state competition began in the early summer, with months of work leading to this week’s performance.

While bringing home a state championship trophy would be a welcome achievement, Olivares said his biggest goal is to leave a lasting impression of what Bullard and its band represent.

TXAN 24 News will follow Bullard, Whitehouse, Ennis and Henderson as they compete for a state title in The Sounds Of State, a documentary premiering this Friday on TXAN+.