El Campo High School and Louise High School bands are gearing up for area UIL competitions starting today, hoping to secure spots at the state contest in San Antonio. Louise, competing in Odem, has a darker musical theme called “Machines,” focused on AI’s dangers, a student choice. The 2A division band will perform in both prelims and finals, aiming for a top-three state bid. El Campo, competing in Pflugerville, will face bigger schools in the 4A division. Their 101-member band is striving for a historic achievement despite weather and budget challenges.