After a dazzling performance at the area competition, the Pebble Hills High School Marching Band is advancing to the 2024 State Open Class Marching Band Contest on Nov. 11 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
This is the second year in a row that Pebble Hills has qualified for state. The marching band is among three that advanced to the Texas state marching band contest from Area A and the only El Paso and Socorro ISD band in the 6A category to advance to state.
Pebble Hills High School head band director Maximo Sierra said there is a great sense of pride and excitement among students, faculty and local supporters about their success. He said the band has been preparing since July with a focus on improving individual skills and establishing routines to do everything with a purpose.
“Advancing to the state marching contest is a huge accomplishment for any marching band. It reflects the hard work, dedication, and talent of all the band members and staff,” Sierra said. “It’s an exciting opportunity to showcase their skills at a higher level, bond as a team, and gain valuable experience. Celebrating this achievement can also motivate everyone to continue striving for excellence.”
The Pebble Hills marching band has 270 members who have been performing the show “Here We Are” this season. The show features the song “Voila” and it captures themes of self-acceptance, empowerment and the beauty of vulnerability.
The band is directed by Maximo Sierra, Maria Carbajal, and Cecil Crabtree. The drum majors are Abel Griego, Zarela Coello, Bailey Cole, and Lianelys Santiago-Rivera Show. The Pebble Hills marching band is also on course to perform at the Tournament of Roses parade in January 2025. They are the first group from El Paso to be selected to be part of the American tradition.
Sierra said the supportive culture on campus has propelled the band forward with encouraging banners and a show of school spirit. He is proud of his band members who are eager to compete at the state level.
“We would like to thank our amazing boosters and parent support, we couldn’t do this without them, most importantly, the board members,” he said. “We love the buy in from the students, staff, and community—we feel it and appreciate it so much.”
All six Socorro ISD marching bands qualified to and competed at the 5A and 6A UIL Area Marching Band Contest. Eastlake High School marching band advanced to the 6A UIL Area finals round. El Dorado High School advanced for the first time to the 5A state contest and competed on Nov. 4.
The 6A Texas State Marching Contest runs over the course of two days, Nov. 11-12 with preliminaries on Nov. 11 and 14 bands advancing to finals on Nov. 12.