La Feria News

Lion Band Headed Back to Area

Photos and story by Billy Watson/LFN

MERCEDES – It was being debated all week long “weather” or not the annual Pigskin Jubilee would take place or not.
La Feria High School Head Band Director Eddie Benitez received a call early Saturday morning stating the show will go on.

The La Feria Mighty Lion Band received their fifth straight superior rating on Saturday, October 20th, and will advance to the area competition at Calallen High School in Corpus Christi, Texas on Saturday, October 27th.

The band’s show, entitled “In Darkness,” is a part-two of their 2016 state show “Into the Darkness.”

Senior trombonist and ATTSB State Solo & Ensemble member Miguel Garcia is really excited about getting the band back to the area round.

“It feels really great to go to area once again, especially since this is my last year with the LFHS marching band,” Garcia said.

“This marching season has been a great one for me, and the band sounds awesome this year. There were no seniors last year in the low brass section, so I feel confident about our band.”

Benitez, Director of Bands, said it was a great feeling to accomplish their goal, which was to get a “division one” rating.

“This has been a special season. So many setbacks, interruptions, and hurdles we have had to overcome,” Benitez said, “and these kids have been working hard in the heat, in the cold, just putting in the work improving every week.”

After being moved to Gregory-Portland High School, the area competition has been moved back to Calallen, where history was made for the Mighty Lion Band.

“Going back to Calallen is going to be exciting. That’s where our first state trip happened four years ago,” Benitez said.
Garcia, also a part of duet in the marching show, feels him and the band will get to the position they’ll need to be to get back to the Alamodome.

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, and I know we will continue to work harder and improve our chances to go to state for third straight year and hopefully go to finals.”

At press time, the Mighty Lion Band will perform at 12 p.m. on Saturday, October 27th at Wildcat Stadium in Calallen, Texas.

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