Band

The Battlin' Buckaroo Marching Band currently has over 40 members and performs at every home football game and away games. Director, Mr. Tracy Walker, is in his seventh year leading the district’s band program.

The band competition season consists of contests at UA-Monticello and regional concerts, where the band has received superior and excellent ratings each year. Students participate each year in the All-Region clinic, trying out to see if they will make a chair in the first or second ASBOA Region Band.

Every year the band performs in the El Dorado Christmas Parade, winning 1st Place for the last few years. The band put on a Christmas concert for the community during the holidays.

During  the spring semester the band participates in the ASBOA concert assessments, receiving Superior and Excellent ratings. The last two years the band has competed in the Battle of the Bands in Fordyce, Ark.,  and has received Superior ratings in all categories. The band closes its year out with the annual Band Banquet to honor the band’s seniors for their hard work and dedication.

SPECIAL NOTE: The Smackover-Norphlet School District is mourning the loss of our beloved band director, Mr. Tracy Walker, who passed away on Monday, December 11, 2023.

Mr. Walker (pictured with the band at left, bottom right) was highly regarded by students, parents, and friends throughout the Smackover-Norphlet community, Fordyce community and beyond. He taught band, choir and music education for a total of 23 1/2, serving 7 1/2 years as the band director for the Smackover-Norphlet School District.

During his time in SNSD, Mr. Walker has developed an award-winning band, receiving Superior ratings time and time again. He successfully established the newly formed Middle School Marching Buckaroo Band that consists of our 7th and 8th Graders.

Mr. Walker pushed the band program to be successful and the band continued to grow every year. He was also the Extreme Director for the Smackover Chapter and collaborated with every aspect of the Fine Arts Department.

Mr. Walker made his mark by working with several students and directors across the state participating in various clinics, camps, and performing with some of the most profound professional music educators and musicians. His passing can be felt not only by the District but by the music community as well.

Mr. Walker also served as the minister of music for his church chorus at Enon Baptist Church in Fordyce, AR. His legacy lives on in many ways, through the teachings of some of his colleagues, but also in the incredible opportunities for past and current students. He had a true love and passion for educating students.

We are so thankful for the blessing that Mr. Walker provided our students.