2026 Golden Triangle Classic

Saturday, October 10, 2026 • C.H. Collins Stadium • Denton, TX

The Golden Triangle Marching Classic offers a unique contest experience, blending UIL and BOA scoring formats. It is an ideal opportunity for bands looking to transition into the BOA circuit. Additionally, the Golden Triangle Classic serves as an excellent Pre-UIL performance opportunity.

The GTC consistently features a judging panel composed of some of the finest adjudicators in the nation. We look forward to making this event truly memorable for all parents, students, and directors involved.

Entry deadline: September 25, 2026

Band classification is determined by the number of wind players.

The earliest postmark receives the latest performance time in each class. The contest is open to the first 30 bands that register.

Entry Fee: $400

Checks made payable to: Denton High School Band Boosters

Mail checks to:

Denton High School Band
3001 Bronco Way
Denton, TX 76207

After submitting this form, please mail your entry fee payment to the above address. A spot is guaranteed in the contest only after receiving payment. 

Scoring:

A panel of seven judges is used to evaluate each band.  The judges are split into four categories:

  • Three (3) Music Judges

  • Two (2) Marching Judges

  • One (1) Percussion Judge

  • One (1) Color Guard Judge

    The breakdown of each category and judge are listed below.

  • Music Judge

    This adjudicator evaluates both the content and achievement of the music as well as the overall musical production. They listen for tone quality, blend and balance within the wind section, contrast of volume, intonation, phrasing, clarity of musical lines, steadiness of tempo, and rhythmic precision. They also assess the continuity and flow of the program, the variety of musical styles and tempos, and the overall impact of the performance. The musical arrangements are examined for difficulty, originality, and coordination, while attention to detail and overall musical effect are factored into the final evaluation.

  • Marching Judge

    This adjudicator evaluates the visual and marching aspects of the performance, focusing on both individual execution and overall ensemble presentation. They examine the drill design for difficulty, originality, coordination with the music, and effective staging of visual elements, including the use of color guard or auxiliary groups. Attention is given to uniformity of stride, precise foot placement, leg position, posture, and instrument carriage, ensuring that the upper body remains steady while the feet strike the ground in unison. They also assess the alignment and spacing of forms, clarity of straight and curved lines, continuity and flow of the visual program, appearance of the uniform, and the overall visual impact of the show.

  • Percussion Judge

    This adjudicator evaluates the entire percussion section from the press box mezzanine. Their primary focus is the rhythmic stability of the percussion section, uniformity in playing technique, and their overall contribution to the musical development. The score is also based on the difficultly of repertoire and execution by the performers.

  • Color Guard Judge

    This adjudicator looks at any auxiliary group within the band (flags, rifles, sabres, twirlers, drill team, etc.) and evaluates the relationship of their movements to the music, the precision of these movements, the difficulty of the movements, and their technique. They also evaluate their position, movement of their feet, and any dance techniques that they might use. They also comment on the staging of these groups in the production, their uniforms, and the suitability of their equipment.

Scott Coulson

Scott Coulson studied music at Eastfield College and East Texas State University, earning a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1980. He spent the majority of his teaching career directing band programs in Mesquite ISD, most notably at Dr. Ralph H. Poteet High School, where his bands consistently earned UIL Sweepstakes and state-level recognition. After retiring from the classroom, Coulson continues to work as a clinician, adjudicator, and consultant, contributing to band programs throughout the Southwestern United States

Anthony Gibson

Anthony Gibson has a long tenure of arts education in Texas.  Following retirement as Director of Fine Arts for the Allen Independent School District, he serves as a music consultant throughout the country. While teaching in both small school and large school programs, he has always placed high priority on student, parent, and community participation.  As Director of Bands and Performing Arts for Allen ISD, he was instrumental in the growth of the largest band and orchestra programs in the country.  He also taught at Cooper High School in Abilene, Coronado High School in Lubbock, and Muleshoe High School in Muleshoe, Texas.  

High school bands under Mr. Gibson’s direction earned U.I.L. Sweepstakes Award 24 consecutive years.  He was honored in the School Band and Orchestra, a national publication, as one of “50 Directors Who Make a Difference,” representing the state of Texas.  He is a recipient of the Texas UIL Sponsor Excellence Award for interscholastic accomplishments and service.  Under the direction of Mr. Gibson, the Allen Band received the John Philip Sousa Foundation Sudler Shield, an international award recognizing marching bands of the highest quality. The 609 memberAllen Escadrille represented the state of Texas in the 2006 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. He was inducted into the Felton F. Wagner Hall of Honor at his alma mater, Deer Park High School, for having made outstanding contributions to his community and profession.  He was also recognized by Texas Tech School of Music as a Distinguished Music Educator.   Mr Gibson was honored to serve as a guest conductor for the Allen High School Chamber Orchestra at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago as well as a presenter on Recruitment and Retention. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University and his professional affiliations include TMEA, TBA, TMAA, and Phi Beta Mu.

Mr. Gibson stays active as an adjudicator, clinician and conductor.  However, he considers his greatest accomplishments to be his loving wife Carren of  42 years, daughters Christelle and Miranda, son-in-laws, Jared and Kyle, and his wonderful grandchildren Rylan, Weston, Hayden and Renton.

Kathy Johnson

Kathy Johnson has led a distinguished career of 42 years teaching music education in Texas. A highly respected clinician, adjudicator, and conductor, Mrs. Johnson serves as Artistic Director of the Dallas Winds Honor Band and is the UIL Region 2 Executive Secretary. Dedicated to music education and developing the individual young musician, Mrs. Johnson co-authors Musical Mastery for Band and the forthcoming Student Teachers Workbook.

Bands under the direction of Kathy Johnson have been selected as TMEA Honor Band, performing at the Texas Music Educators Conference, and have performed at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago on multiple occasions. They have been UIL State Marching Band Champions multiple times, received the Outstanding Band Program Award by the Texas Chapter of the American School Band Directors Association, and were selected as an Exemplary High School Band Program by the Texas Bandmasters Association.

A member of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association, Mrs. Johnson serves on both the Ostwald and Educational Committees. Her other professional affiliations include Phi Beta Mu International Band Fraternity, the Texas Bandmasters Association (where she has received the Meritorious Achievement Award), the Association of Texas Small School Bands, Women’s Band Directors International, and the Texas Music Adjudicators Association. She has also been selected as a UIL Sponsor of Excellence. Most recently, Mrs. Johnson was honored with induction into the Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame.

Glenn Lambert

Glenn Lambert is the Executive Secretary for UIL Region 24 Music, where he facilitates all UIL music contests for Frisco, Little Elm, McKinney and Prosper school districts

Prior to this appointment, he was the Executive Director of Fine Arts in the Wylie Independent School District.  His responsibilities are administering K-12 Band, Choir, Orchestra, Theatre, Dance, Art, and Elementary Music for 19 campuses in the school district.

Mr. Lambert served for nine years as Head Band Director and Fine Arts Department Head at Wylie East High School.  His responsibilities included the co-direction of the Marching Band, Concert Bands, and Jazz Band.  

Prior to his tenure in Wylie, Mr. Lambert held band director positions in the Plano, Garland and Arlington School Districts.  

Mr. Lambert is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education.  He received his Master’s Degree in Trumpet Performance from Texas Christian University as a Graduate Assistant in the Band and Jazz Ensemble Departments.  

Pete Tolhuizen

Pete Tolhuizen retired in 2012 after 38 years of teaching in Michigan and Texas. After retirement he has been in constant demand as a clinician, lecturer, adjudicator, and mentor to young teachers. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University. In his teaching career he spent 29 years in the Richardson Independent School District and 6 years in the Plano Independent School District. He is a proud member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, Phi Beta Mu- Honorary Band Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha-Sinfonia and an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi. In 2025 he was inducted into the Texas Bandmasters Hall of Fame. He and his wife, Cheri, have two children who are both educators.

Sandi Rennick

Percussion Judge

Sandi Rennick is a percussionist and marimba soloist with extensive performing and teaching experience in the DFW area and throughout the United States. An original cast member of the Tony and Emmy Award-winning production “Blast!”, Sandi performed in London, England, as well as a featured marimba soloist on tour throughout the United States. Sandi is currently a percussion arranger for the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps (2011-present), and the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps (2013-present).

Sandi is an Adjunct Professor of Percussion at the University of North Texas and Texas A&M University-Commerce. In addition to her drum corps responsibilities in the summer, she also serves on the faculty of the UNT Keyboard Percussion Workshop, and is a clinician for the Girls March music and leadership camps.

Sandi is a Signature Artist for Innovative Percussion, Inc., and a clinician/artist for Dynasty USA, Remo Drumheads, and SABIAN / Gon Bops Percussion.

Rachel Montañez

Color Guard Judge

Rachel Montañez is a freelance graphic designer and choreographer originally from Long Island, NY. She has a B.S. in Mathematics from Molloy College.

Rachel was introduced to the marching arts activity at Mineola High School, where she participated in both the marching band and winterguard programs from 2008-2012. Her performance career continued outside of high school with The Long Island Sunrisers from 2009-2011, The Connecticut Hurricanes in 2012, The Cadets from 2013-2015, Alter Ego IW in 2013, 2017-2018 and Fusion World in 2019.

Although Rachel’s passion for performing came first, she has been able to pass on her love for the activity through teaching. She’s had the pleasure of teaching and choreographing for various scholastic and independent programs around the country since 2012 - most recently with Dartmouth HS, Boswell HS, Vigilantes Indoor Percussion, the Madison Scouts and the Spartans.

Outside of colorguard, Rachel enjoys making art, drinking craft coffee, and playing chess.

wild west.png
first state bank.png
truxx.jpg
61fa8c05eec4c40004bacd46.png
IMG_1051.jpeg
IMG_1052.jpeg
IMG_1069.png
DRE web logo(1).png
MATERIA PRIMA PRODUCTIONS (1).png

Past Contest Results