Two local award winning high school band programs will be competing for the coveted Class 1A “honor band” status later this month.

The Timpson Bear Band and Shelbyville Dragon Band have advanced to the state level of the Texas Music Educator Association Honor Band Competition, being held July 27 in San Antonio.

Timpson band director Rhonda Cates says the competition uses a recording of the band from the Spring semester for judging. She said the winner holds the title of “Class A Honor Band” for two years and will perform at the TMEA Convention in San Antonio in February.

Ms. Cates added many consider this to be the highest honor a Texas High School band can achieve.

Joining Timpson and Shelbyville bands in the state competition are Forsan, Harper, Honey Grove, Italy, Knox City, New Deal, Panhandle, Somerville and Valley Mills.

Ms. Cates says the Timpson band also advanced to the state level in Outstanding Performance Series, an annual contest held by the Association of Texas Small School Bands, also being judged later this month.

Both Timpson and Shelbyville were awarded Sweepstakes during the past school year.

The Shelbyville Dragon Band is directed by Shaka Hawkins.