There is no shortage of vibrancy, animation, and pure entertainment in the Dickinson High School Gator Band’s 2025 production, “Featherbrained.” Bold, bright colors cover the field with the performers’ costumes and flags, and the music selection perfectly suits the joyful, fun-spirited theme. Adding even more fun to the show are the set pieces performers move across the field. These large bird props with playful eye movement that align with the show have been a hit with the audience. The band, with this lively show, made it to the finals at both the North and South Houston Regionals, marking the first time in Gator Band history they have advanced to the finals at two BOA Regionals in the same year. They also earned 4^th place at the 6A Area E marching band contest and will now take off to perform “Featherbrained” at the UIL State Marching Band Competition!

Trevor Braselton oversees the entire Dickinson band program, and directs the Wind Ensemble and Marching Band – bands under his leadership have consistently earned UIL Sweepstakes. The drill designer for the Gator Band is a skilled veteran in the industry, Peter Weber. His award-winning work for over 30 years includes designs for world renowned DCI and WGI finalists, the United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, several universities, BOA Grand National and Regional finalists, and State Champions. Since entering the drill design field, Peter has used Pyware 3D as his trusted program in each activity of the marching arts on various levels.

“For decades, Pyware has been my indispensable, go-to design tool for marching band, drum corps, and indoor ensembles. Its comprehensive suite of features is instrumental in transforming concepts into detailed, executable marching drills,” Peter stated.

He continued to explain a few of the features within the software he finds most useful, particularly for this year’s Dickinson High School production. When considering how the birds would be implemented within the show, Peter used the performer prop tool, which provides several ways to arrange, manipulate, and move set pieces to the designer’s liking. The time-saving editing tools, such as the stagger tool, which allows for successive transitions. Also, the ability to view the completed show in 3D.

 

“While designing “Featherbrained” for the Dickinson High School Band, the Performer Prop Tool was invaluable for conceptualizing the prop integration and movement. Moreover, the Stagger Tool, used to detail ripple and sequential moments, saved us additional, precious hours of physical rehearsal. The 3D modeling and animation capabilities are invaluable, allowing me to visualize the show from every perspective and make critical, precise adjustments virtually. This ability to troubleshoot in a virtual environment saves countless hours of valuable field rehearsal time.”

In addition to Peter’s talent for creative designing, he also has great determination to see student performers succeed. He is dedicated to creating high-powered shows that allow everyone involved to thrive. The enthusiasm in which Peter speaks about his craft of drill design matches the way he speaks about who he designs for – an eagerness to provide the necessary tools and instruction for an extraordinary presentation.

“The core utility of customizable grids, coordinate sheets, and seamless integration with Ultimate Drill Book streamlines the teaching process, guaranteeing every performer receives precise, clear instructions. Ultimately, Pyware doesn’t just help me design a show – it enables me to build a more dynamic, visually engaging, and successful performance for the student performers.”

 

Our team at Pyware applauds the amazing designers and directors devoted to the activity, and the gifted student performers that make these shows so fun to watch! We wish the Dickinson High School Gator Band the best of luck at the State Competition!