The Bill Johnson Student Activity Complex Field was filled with cheers as U.I.L. Area G 5-A Marching Band Competition organizers announced Saturday that Laredo’s own United High School – “Home of the Mighty Longhorn Band” – would advance to State Competition.
“We did it!” the Longhorn band students shouted, giving each other hugs and throwing some “high-fives” in the air. “We did it!” they shouted over again.
Indeed, the 250 member high school marching band is looking forward to making history! It is the first time that they will head to the coveted U.I.L. State Competition being held on
November 5 and 6, 2012 in San Antonio at the Alamodome.
“On behalf of our Board of Trustees, I would like to congratulate United High School on their advancement to State competition. I also wish to congratulate our three other high schools for participating in this Area G 5-A competition. They all did a great job!” said UISD Superintendent Roberto J. Santos. “All of our high school bands made UISD shine, and I want them to know that as a school district and community, we are very proud of them,” Santos continued.
A total of 42 high school marching bands competed in Area G 5-A competition including bands from San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and the Rio Grande Valley. United High School was one of only eight 5-A high school marching bands that were selected to advance to the state U.I.L. competition.
“We’re ready for it,” said United High School Band Director John Mallon, adding that the band had been working hard to get ready for Saturday’s performance. “The focus, dedication, and commitment that has been put forth by the students is to be admired, and I know they’ll do an outstanding job in State competition in San Antonio,” he added.
The “Mighty Longhorn Band” is under the direction of Head Band Director John Mallon, and Assistant Band Directors Jose Castro, Michael Garcia, and Michael Valdez. The Color Guard is under the direction of Selma Gonzalez and Raymond Cabrillo. Head Drum Major is Katherine Mallon and Assistant Drum Majors are James Garza and Carlos Elizondo, Jr.
Congratulations to the United High School “Mighty Longhorn Band” from all of us at the United Independent School District!
Cutline: The United High School “Mighty Longhorn Band” is pictured here during their “La Fiesta Mexicana” show at the Area G 5-A Marching Band Competition which was held at the Bill Johnson Student Activity Complex Field on Saturday, October 27, 2012. The UHS band will advance to State competition in San Antonio on November 5 and 6, 2012 at the Alamodome. The Longhorn band would like to thank the Community for all their support in making the Area marching band competition a success for all student participants.
