GEORGETOWN, TX -- For the first time in 17 years, the Georgetown High School marching band qualified for the University Interscholastic League (UIL) state marching band competition.

“The band and color guard have worked incredibly hard to earn a spot in the state competition, and I couldn’t be more proud of their efforts,” said Carol Watson, director of fine arts. “It’s the first time our Eagle Band has been to State UIL competition since 2000, around the time that many of these kids were born. You could say they were born for this moment.”

To prepare for the UIL state competition, the band is hosting a preview performance of their show, “UnXpected” at GISD stadium on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. The performance is free and open to the public.

A community send-off will take place in front of Georgetown High School on Tuesday Nov. 7 at 5 p.m. The UIL state competition is November 8 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.