Natalia HS Band receives 7th consecutive first division rating at UIL Region 11 marching contest

Saturday, November 14, the Natalia High School Band competed at the UIL Region 11 marching contest at D.W. Rutledge Stadium. For the seventh consecutive year, the Natalia High School Band received a first division rating. This is truly an accomplishment in any given year, but this year has proved to be one of the most challenging for the band thus far.
The Natalia Band Program has endured hardships related to COVID-19, like many other band programs across the region. Daily activities such as rehearsing indoors have become impossible due to the size of the band and COVID-19 restrictions. These restrictions include having a maximum number of students indoors, being spaced 6+ feet apart when playing, and covering all instruments with bell covers. The band however, met the challenge head on, despite the constant setbacks from these restrictions and having students out for quarantine. Despite the numerous holes on the field from the missing players, the band competed at an extremely high level and received their seventh first division in a row.
Comments from the judges included, “Great marching fundamentals executed today” and “Overall nice ensemble sound and good musical moments.” The Natalia High School Band will now advance to the UIL Area E Marching Contest which will be held on Saturday, December 12. The competition will take place at Calallen High School Wildcat Stadium in Corpus Christi and will be performing at 10:00am. This will be the fourth time in a row that the Natalia High School Band has advanced to the Area competition. The students of the Natalia High School Band should be commended for their commitment and dedication to the Natalia Band Program, as well as their perseverance through what has been a difficult year for all. “We would like to thank parents, band boosters/officers, administrators and community for their continued support. I would also like to thank assistant directors Vanessa Delgado and Abraham Acevedo for everything they do for our program,” said Sergio Mendez, band director.