Get ready to be blown away by Harlingen High School's band as they prepare for an epic fall season!

The Exciting World of Color Guard and Marching Bands

Picture this: a vibrant morning sun shining down on a high school parking lot, where students are gathered to practice their color guard routine. The music, titled “Time Travel,” guides their movements, filling them with passion and intensity as they prepare for the upcoming school year.

As Ava Gutierrez, a 16-year-old junior, waves her colorful flag with precision and grace, the entire band comes alive with energy. The saxophones and trumpets harmonize in the air, while the drumline sets the beat that drives their performance forward.

“It’s going amazing,” Ava exclaims, praising the color guard's dedication and skill. “They’re destroying it,” she adds, emphasizing their unity and control over their performance.

Under the direction of Maria Coronado, the band director, the students move with impeccable precision, creating a visual and auditory spectacle that captivates all who watch.

Coronado describes the show, “Time Traveler,” as a unique blend of musical styles that takes listeners on a journey through time. From the upbeat “Fast Car” of 1988 to the dramatic “Manfred Symphony” of 1880, each piece weaves seamlessly into the next, creating a tapestry of sound that is both captivating and exhilarating.

Michael Whalen, a 15-year-old sophomore, stands tall with his saxophone, adding his voice to the melodious ensemble. “We are enjoying it,” he says. “There’s a lot of energy, and we’re coming together as a group.”

As the band practices together, the excitement builds, and the anticipation for their upcoming performances grows. With each note played and each step taken, they are not just marching to the beat of the music but marching into a future filled with possibility and promise.

What do you think?

• Do you have experience with color guard or marching bands?
• What do you enjoy most about watching musical performances?
• Do you think high school bands should receive more recognition for their hard work?