Saturday, October 16, the Natalia High School Band competed at the UIL Region 11 Marching Contest at Barry Stadium in Hondo and received a first division rating. Natalia advances to the Area Marching Contest in Beeville this Saturday, October 23. This is truly an accomplishment in any given year.
For the eighth consecutive year, the Natalia High School Band received a first division rating.
“It makes us proud to see our band perform the way they are performing. Moving forward we’ll work to better our performance and hope for the best. You never know what to expect when you get to this level,” said Natalia Head Band Director Sergio Mendez.
Judges comments from the Region UIL Marching Contest included: “Wow! Really fine, mature, sonorous music from this ensemble!”
“Superb! Well conceived, prepared, & performed show! What a joy! Congratulations!”
“High demand met today!”
And “Wonderful job by all, a consistent superior performance in music”.
This will be the fifth time in a row that the Natalia High School Band has advanced to the Area competition under the direction of Mendez and staff. (Every other year is usually an advancing year. Things did get a little out of order due to Covid-19.) Natalia also advanced to Area last year in 2020.
Natalia’s performance time is 2:45 PM at the 3A Area Marching Contest – this Saturday, October 23 at Veterans Memorial Stadium, A.C. Jones High School in Beeville, Texas.
The Lytle Pirate Band performs at 10:15 am in the prelims.
“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 few years for all,” said Mendez.
“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 Director Sergio Mendez.
By Kathleen Calame
Publisher