Bring in the Noise: High school marching bands compete in regional championship

McALLEN — Twenty-seven high school marching bands from south and central Texas battled it out at a regional championship competition at Veterans Memorial Stadium yesterday.

The city of McAllen, in conjunction with McAllen ISD, hosted the preliminary round of Music For All’s Bands of America, better known as the BOA championship event. The bands came from the Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, Del Rio, San Antonio and Austin. Each performed for 15 minutes and played four ballads.

“The role of music and the arts to the education and development of our youth has been proven to be a positive one,” McAllen City Manager, Roel “Roy” Rodriguez said.

“The marching band portion of Friday Night football in Texas is as much a part of the school spirit and traditions that our local and Rio Grande Valley high schools proudly demonstrate as the game itself.”

Eric L. Martin, president and CEO of Music for All, said the annual event is one of twenty regional championships offered across the Valley.

“It’s an opportunity for bands to compete, but what they’re getting mostly is evaluation and information to help them be better,” Martin said. “It’s a process for the students and the teachers to actually hone their musical skills and marching skills.”

The marching bands were divided into four classifications based on school enrollment.

“The performances of students at this Bands of America championship showcase the results that come from the dedication and teamwork necessary for the achievement of excellence on the performance field and in life beyond,” Martin added.

Carmen Benitez drove from the western side of the Valley to support her son, Eddie Medrano, a senior who plays the alto-sax for the Roma High School marching band.

“It was very emotional and exciting — especially since he is a drum major,” Benitez said. “He’s really, really worked so hard for this and is very dedicated, so for me it is an honor to see him and watch him this last year.”

“The performance was very nerve-racking. It was my first year as a drum major,” Medrano said. “It was very exciting, but there is still room to improve and possibly win finals.”

The marching bands who win the regional championship will move on to the Super Regional Championship at the Alamodome in San Antonio Nov. 3-4 with the Grand National Championship at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis Nov. 8.