That depends on the statement you are making. Is getting a first division really hard? Well, for some bands it can be. Not everyone has a great feeder/recruitment pattern, great instruments, minimally supportive admin, good parents, and a multitude of things that can easily kneecap a program. Can a director respond correctly and give a band a program they can handle and play at a one? YES! I have seen HBCU style bands take their product to UIL and play it well and get a one. At the end of the day the decisions we make as directors will impact the ability of the program to be successful.

Now, if you think just getting a one is soul killing...that is not the job, it is you. Getting a first division is not soul killing if you are doing the right things by the UIL sheets. I understand some bands are in a rebuild, but every band can get a one even at the non-varsity level. Pick a program your kids can maximize at their skill level and work for great sounds and clean movement. I have seen programs do this after YEARS of terrible ratings. (Northbrook HS 2021 as an example)

Find a grade one show and work on the basics. It CAN be done. Look for a new job? A new job does not fix YOU.