HARLINGEN — The crowds cheered last night as Rome fell.
The ancient city fell in spectacular fashion as the Harlingen High School Marching Band set the tumultuous event to music.
“The Fall of Rome” was the colorful and eloquently-choreographed show performed by the Cardinal Band at the 74th Annual Pigskin Jubilee at Boggus Stadium.
It was the first time anyone could remember Boggus hosting Pigskin, more properly known as the Region 28 UIL Marching Band Contest.
However, fans and musicians seemed more interested in the shows and technique.
“My daughter is in the band and my other daughter is in the color guard,” said Danny McClain. “They love it. They have been doing it for some time.”
Blood-red plumes danced above the heads of the young musicians as they moved onto the field, light flashing from their shiny instruments. White fluted columns were moved effortlessly in rhythm to the music. The color guard was dressed in solemn purple.
Somber music played at first, then moved swiftly into festive notes that danced across the field and into the stands. The color guard carried shields that shined dully beneath the floodlights. Thunderous rolls erupted from nowhere, flags spun in the air, and there was the sense of turmoil. The Goths were at the gates, and the music bore the fear, the nightmare, the gasping of defeat.
Then suddenly the music became victorious again. And so it was, the powerful emotional impact of the performance, in keeping with the chaotic experience of Rome’s gradual, fatal decline into complete collapse.
“It was very well rehearsed,” said Juan Garcia, whose son Isaiah, 14, was in the band.
“I liked the columns,” he said. “I’m super proud.”
Isaiah’s grandmother Dahlia was also impressed with the performance.
“They did it with such precision,” she said. “They are all very dedicated to their performance.”
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