Mighty Lion Band Statebound!

Updated: November 4, 2016

Mighty Lion Band Receives Division One at Pigskin Competition, 2nd Overall at Area and now move on to State Competition

Photo: Katie Martinez/Facebook

Photo: Katie Martinez/Facebook

The La Feria High School Mighty Lion Marching Band received a Division 1 rating in Class 4a at the 74th Annual Pigskin Jubilee high school marching band contest on Saturday, October 22nd. The competition for Class 4a was held at Bennie La Prade Stadium in Donna, Texas this year. The annual contest is a highlight of the marching band season as bands test their mettle.

The LFHS Band’s theme this year was “Into the Darkness”.

The band advanced to Area competition, which took place at Wildcat Stadium in Portland, TX this past Saturday, October 29th where they received a 2nd Place overall rating. This is the second year in a row that the band has earned a rating at Area high enough to qualify their participation in State competition.

The band now travels to San Antonio’s Alamodome on November 7th to compete at the 2016 State Marching Band Contest! Ticket information, the performance schedule and more can be found on the Texas U.I.L. website.

Congratulations to the students and parents and thank you for continuing to be a positive example of talent, hard work, perseverance and determination. Thank you for representing the very best of our community!

Photo: Katie Martinez/Facebook

The La Feria Mighty Lion Band Takes on Area State for A Second Time

by Julianne Barajas/Lions Roar/LFISD

The La Feria Mighty Lion Marching Band has been put to the test at this year’s UIL Pigskin Jubilee contest at Donna Saturday, October 22, 2016. With all the hard work put into this year’s show, the band is ready to march their hearts out.

Senior Sabrina Morales shines as she performs her flute solo during this year’s annual Pigskin Jubilee. Photo: LFISD

Every two years is a “state year” in marching band. This year the Lion Band will face the climb up the state competition ladder, just as they did two years ago.

“I’m proud that we went to state two years ago,” band director Rolando Zamora said. “In all my 17 years working at La Feria ISD, the band was close to going to state twice but unfortunately we didn’t advance. But two years ago we finally made it to state, and we hope we can do that again this year.”

Senior Angela Ricalday shows off her flag corps skills during Pigskin. Photo: LFISD

When the band went to state many wondered if the band would be able to accomplish that endeavor once again. This left all the band members with the burden of high expectations and standards on their shoulders.

“There is definitely pressure on the band,” senior drum major Nicholas Mendoza said. “Because there are other rival bands that want to take the spot that we took in the state competition.”

Mighty Lion Marching Band members show their look of concentration and confidence while performing at this year’s Annual Pigskin Jubilee held in Donna, Texas. Photo: LFISD

As side from the pressure and the excitement, there is something that the band has set as their main focus, and that is pride.

“Focusing and trying our best is what you can definitely expect,” head band director Mr. Eddie Benitez stated. “We’re all about competition, but we’re just going to put it all on the field and try our best to make La Feria proud.”