Most students and teams are locked into the 5A classification when it comes to competing, but band students have another option in their effort to make All-State.

“Texas Music Educators Association, which is TMEA, actually provides an allocation for more students on certain instruments to advance to the area and state level in class 6A than they do 5A, because on average most regions have more kids actually participating in 6A,” Head Band Director Jamie Weaver said.

For senior Andres Borja, trying out for 6A means more competition, but it also means more opportunities.

“5A is mostly comprised of Frisco schools and 6A is Plano schools, and there are a lot more people in 6A than in 5A,” senior Andres Borja said. “[Making a 6A band] is more prestigious because there are a lot more better people, but there are also more spots to get into area and into state, so it’s better in the long run.”