The M.B. Lamar Middle School band continues its tradition of excellence, as they have earned 40 spots in the Jr. High All-Region Band. The band members received the prestigious honor of being named a member of the All-Region XIV Band. For the third consecutive year, the Mighty Lion Band had the highest number of students earn the All-Region XIV Band designation.
The students were chosen for this impressive honor during the All-Region XIV Band auditions, where over 600 students performed one by one, head-to-head on their instruments against all 16 middle schools in Laredo. These students were judged by five to nine adjudicators that specialize in that instrument.
Each student is scored and then ranked to be placed in chair order, 1st chair meaning 1st place. Only the best of each instrument forms is selected to the Region Band which is an all-star band with the best in the region.
Sofia Gutierrez, bassoon player, Kendra Tinajero, French Horn player, and Isidro Higareda, trombone player were all selected All-Region Band First Chair.
“Congratulations to our Lamar Mighty Lion Band who placed the highest number of region band members. We are extremely proud of them,” said San Juanita Rodriguez, Lamar Middle School Band Director. “To our amazing parents, dedicated students, administration, faculty, staff and our wonderful principal, Dr. Eduardo E. Lopez, thank you for your beautiful support, we could not do this without you.”
Also earning All-Region Band in Flute are Mariekit Narabal, Sophia Cardenas, Krystal Trujillo, Melina Mancha, Diego Sosa, Kenia Fernandez, Axel Martinez, and Humberto Dionicio.
Earning All-Region Band in clarinet are Byron Coreas, Jackelyn Ballina, Siomara Mendez, Yesenia Licona, Jose Hipolito, and Violette Garcia, while Alberto Diaz was selected All-Region Contra Bass Clarinet.
Brandon Velasco and Yulissa Santiago earned All-Region as Alto Saxophone players, while Matthew Ventura, earned All-Region Tenor Saxophone. Earning All-Region Bari Saxophone is Marleny Perez.
Maximiliano Torres, Noe Salinas, Alfredo Vazquez, were named All-Region Trumpet players.
Victor Cantu, Keyla Tijerina, America Hernandez, and Marcela Flores were selected All-Region Trombone players.
Sebastian Salazar, Danika Gutierrez, and Jaime Gutierrez were named All-Region French horn.
Damian Alejo, Kathleen Molina, and Jenara Maciel were designated All-Region percussionist.
Earning All-Region baritone were Adrian Rodriguez and Jetzany Islas, while Nathan Ramirez and Samuel Martinez were selected All-Region tuba.
These students performed with the All-Region Band at the All-Region Clinic/Concert that took place at the Bill Johnson, UISD Student Activity Complex Auditorium this past weekend.
The award-winning Lamar Middle School Band has over 425 members in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. The Band is under the direction of San Juanita (Janie) Rodriguez and Associate Directors Esteban Borjas III, and Fabian Reyes. Lamar Middle School principal is Mr. Eduardo Lopez.