Mustang Band receives 5th straight Division I rating

Click here for more photos of the Mustang Band in the Region 11 Band Contest!

For a 5th straight year, the Natalia Mustang Band secured a Division I rating at the Region 11 Band Contest in Hondo last Saturday. Led by 6th year Band Director Sergio Mendez, the band has showed continual improvement and did not disappoint in front of a great crowd at Beautiful Barry Field.
“It was really neat seeing our kids reaction after their show Saturday,” Director Sergio Mendez said. “What is great, is these young men and women expect to get a Division I rating. I can’t say that was the case when we started this journey, but it has been a blast.”
The show this season is a Gary Gilroy Production entitled “In Three Words” and includes selections: Live Your Life, Dare to Love, Work Through Conflict & Life Is Short.
“We picked this show, because we liked the music and the message,” Mendez said. “It is a show that has three word sentences throughout talking about life. My favorite part of the show is when the band comes together in two company front lines and the words are “We’re strong together.”
Stronger together, the Mustang band not only had their faithful parents, community members and administration in the stands, but also members of the Natalia Football and Volleyball team/coaching staff who packed the stadium to support a group of young men and women.
Numerous videos hit social media which were shared across the state, with plenty of respect flowing in for the football and volleyball teams for doing what not many have done and that is attend and cheer on the band at the region band contest.
“Although we received a Division I rating, the kids are never satisfied,” Mendez said.
This is not an advancing year, so Natalia will turn their attention to the Concert and Sightreading season, although there is plenty of Friday night games to be played where they will be able to perform.
The following are comments that were made by the judges in reference to the show Saturday: “The overall blend and balance of the band was well handled.” “I like your “presence” on the field.” “Good use of dynamics, good design and concept.” “Good show and good music! Congratulations.” “The overall tone quality of the band is very good.”
“we would like to thank all of our band parents for EVERYTHING they do for our program,” Mendez said. “Our parents make sure that all band members are very well taken care of whether it is feeding them, donating water, working concession stand or helping with our props. We would also like to thank our administration, school board, maintenance department and all of the staff at Natalia ISD for their continued support.”
Mendez is assisted by Vanessa Delgado who is in her 3rd year at Natalia, John DeLeon who is a 5th year Color Guard Director and David Martinez who is a 1st year Drum Line Technician.
By Eric Smith