Mineola, Winnsboro and Quitman all finished among the top five bands at the UIL Class 3A Area C marching contest in Whitehouse on Saturday, according to the Wood County Monitor. Mineola's Sound of the Swarm took first place, Winnsboro's Big, Bad Band from Raiderland finished third and Quitman's Proud Blue Band placed fifth. The three bands will compete Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Mineola is returning to state again. Winnsboro is returning after missing qualification by one place last year. For Quitman, it is the band's first state trip in 40 years. Mineola ISD Superintendent Cody Mize said the district is proud of the band's success. Mineola head band director Donald Myers said students have embraced the band's motto, "Make it Better." Winnsboro ISD Superintendent Chris Trotter said students and directors have been working toward the goal since July. Quitman's band is directed by Michael Barron and faced several challenges this season, including illness that kept about 20 students out of rehearsals.