LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Veronica Cantu,

 “We’re number #1!  We’re number #1!” 

(Laredo, Tx)-That’s the “chant” that all United ISD high school bands will be bellowing as United, United South, Alexander, and Lyndon B. Johnson High Schools each earned a 1^st Division Rating at the Music Region XIV UIL Marching Band Contest held October 19at Shirley Field Stadium.  The competition included high school bands from both United and Laredo Independent School Districts. 

 “Each band did an outstanding job!” said UISD Director of Fine Arts, former band director, and musician Javier Vera.  “All of the students put on a great show and really made our City proud,” said Vera who added that each band performed their UIL Marching Shows with tremendous “precision” and “pride” for a distinguished panel of judges.   

 “So much practice goes into each of these performances,” said Vera.  “And it takes a lot of commitment, dedication, and teamwork from the band students, the band directors, school administration and teachers, and parents of these students.”

 Listed below are the ratings from the recent contest for each of the United and Laredo ISD bands that performed:

 HIGH SCHOOLS WHO COMPETED AND CONTEST RATINGS

Nixon HS   4A                                                1^st Division                   

 Cigarroa HS    4A                                           2^nd Division

 Martin HS    4A                                              2^nd Division

 LBJ HS         5A                                             1^st Division

 United South HS  5A                                     1^st Division

 Alexander HS  5A                                          1^st Division

 United HS     5A                                             1^st Division

Texas A&M University-Kingsville                 Performed in Exhibition

Below is information of United ISD High School Bands and their 1^st Division Rated UIL Marching Shows:

 UNITED ISD UIL MARCHING INFORMATION:

 LYNDON B. JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL “Wolf Band”

Band Director: Fidel Borrego III

Asst. Directors: Rene Pena and  Daniel Quintana 

Brandon Villarreal (Colorguard Tech), Nolan Arriaga (Percussion Tech) & Ulyses Salinas (Percussion Tech)

Drum Major(s): Ashley Cisneros, Alejandra Olivares & Anna Flores

Program: Shadows & Light

 UNITED SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL “Panther Band”

Band Director: Francisco J. Sosa

Asst. Directors: Joshua Martinez, Rodolfo Montalvo, Robert Ortiz,

Daniel Lopez (Colorguard Choreographer), Amelia Amaya (Private Instructor) & Alejandro Mireles (Private Instructor)

Drum Major(s): Gaspar Murillo, Francisco Vallejo & Jorge Castillo; Mark Gomez, Liliana Martinez, Jennifer Saenz & Samantha Rodriguez (Colorguard Officers)

Program:  Angels in the Architecture

JOHN B. ALEXANDER HIGH SCHOOL “Bulldog Band”

Band Director: Jose Valenzuela

Asst. Directors: Lyle Perkins, Patrick Lewis, Jacob Thompson,

Daniel Lopez (Colorguard), & Mike Rodriguez (Percussion Tech)

Drum Major(s): Gabriel Rodriguez, Ana Ezeta (Colorguard Captain)

Program: Isolation

UNITED HIGH SCHOOL “Longhorn Band”

Band Director: John J. Mallon

Asst. Directors: Jose M. Castro, Michael Garcia, Michael Valdez, Raymond Gabrillo, Jose Padilla, Jonathan Garcia, Joaquin Lucio, Ricky Garza & Jerry Vazquez

Drum Major(s): Stephanie Hernandez, Jessica Martinez, Victor Espinosa & Alexia Gonzalez

Program: Roman Illusions

Vera emphasized that each high school band made the City of Laredo very proud.  He congratulated the band members, along with their band directors, as each worked diligently this marching season to achieve success.  He also thanked each high school campus administration, school district administrators, and all of the parents and middle school band members in attendance.  “Everybody came together to support this great musical event!” Vera exclaimed.