The Marching Band of Mount Pleasant High School
For Dr. Theodus Luckett III, Director of Fine Arts at Mount Pleasant High School, marching band isn’t just about music—it’s about storytelling, emotion, and leaving a lasting impression. Under his leadership, Mount Pleasant has become a Texas 5A powerhouse, achieving milestones like becoming area finalists for the first time in 35 years and qualifying for the UIL State Marching Band contest. "The band program has experienced phenomenal growth, not just in numbers, but in quality and competitiveness," Dr. Luckett said.
Lying at the heart of this success is the band's high degree of community. "Our program is community focused, which brings students and families together in collaborative activities that reach beyond the stage," emphasizes Dr. Luckett. Thematic shows based on popular culture—like "Cruella" and "Beetlejuice" productions—have become communal events, connecting with audiences and inspiring the school’s marching band students to aim high.
Design That Tells a Story
In competitive marching band, visuals are just as important as sound. To help Mount Pleasant maximize its visual impact on the field, Dr. Luckett turns to McCormick’s to bring show themes to life in stunning detail through uniforms, costuming and show graphics. "Pageantry and visual aspects take our performances to the next level," Dr. Luckett states.
McCormick’s knowledgeable design team understands how to craft pieces that seamlessly integrate into the show’s narrative, ensuring a cohesive and immersive experience for audiences and judges alike. “Their attention to detail in design means our students not only look fantastic but also feel confident on the field,” says Dr. Luckett.
Inspired by the daring fashion and the striking aesthetics from the film “Cruella”, the McCormick’s design team incorporated bold, iconic grunge-inspired elements while maintaining originality. The black, red, and white color palette was carefully selected to reflect the film’s signature tones. A key visual from the movie’s promotional poster served as the main design element, setting the uniform for an easily identifiable and immersive performance.
Dependability When It Matters Most
In competitive marching band, execution matters. Costume malfunctions or ill-fitting uniforms aren’t an option. To avoid surprises, Dr. Luckett trusts McCormick’s for reliable, high-quality products delivered on time. “We need to work with companies who understand the challenges of this activity, and McCormick’s has been outstanding in every way,” he explains.
One of the biggest tests of reliability came during their “James Bond” production. With a high-energy, sleek performance style the band needed uniforms that balanced movement with sophistication. McCormick’s delivered sharp designs that not only captured the essence of Bond but also allowed the performers to move with ease. "The precision in design and fit meant our students could focus on their performance, not their uniforms," Dr. Luckett says. "It’s those details that separate a good performance from a great one."
Building a Program for the Future
Mount Pleasant’s band program isn’t just about winning competitions—it’s about setting a new standard for excellence and innovation. With McCormick’s as a trusted partner, Dr. Luckett provides his students with the tools they need to shine. By embracing cutting-edge design, thoughtful storytelling, and world-class performance elements, the program continues to thrive year after year.