There’s nothing like the dramatic color the Lehman High School Band Color Guard adds to any performance and the group is putting in the hot hours alongside the Lobo band in preparation for this fall’s marching season. (Photos by Jim Cullen)
All (or, at least, most) eyes are forward for the Lehman High School Band’s saxophone line during the opening week of 2010 marching season. In fairness, this is the time when looking down to adjust positioning is expected...with an eye to fall competition.
by JIM CULLEN
It comes as no surprise to anyone that the bands at Hays and Lehman high schools are hard at it again. The hundreds of students under the direction of the Rebels’ Tony Gibbs and the Lobos’ Joey Lucita have a legacy of excellence. Their respective schools – and the community as a whole – expect that legacy to be built upon and enhanced every year, and this year will be no exception.
The countless hours on cement and asphalt under the unforgiving Texas sun have already begun ticking off as two of the premier bands in Central Texas greet the University Interscholastic League starting gun with the enthusiasm and commitment it takes to excel. During the 2009 marching season showy awards fell to both, as each qualified for the locally-hosted regional meet, and the Rebs took a trip to state.
Both Lucita and Gibbs understandably have words of encouragement for their students in this new season and each shared his thoughts during the first week of practice.
HAYS HIGH SCHOOL
Director Tony Gibbs reports “the Hays Rebel Band marching show for the new season is entitled ‘Spain... After Dark’ and is based on music from a composition by Joaquin Turina, ‘La Procession du Rocio.’ Bright colors and the emotional intensity of a flamenco celebration are characteristic of this genre of music and should help create a show that is energetic, vibrant and exciting.”
Gibbs notes the Rebel Band’s “long history of success, most recently as a finalist in the 2009 U.I.L. State Marching Championship” and says that expectations this year are “for another great season.”
“The students are working very hard and are committed to the standard of excellence which is an intrinsic attitude among members of the Hays High School Band,” he says.
LEHMAN HIGH SCHOOL
Director Joey Lucita is emphatic when he predicts, “This is going to be a great year for the Lobo Band.” He points to what he describes as “an awesome freshman class coming in from our middle schools and a very strong returning group from last year.” He adds that his team is “excited for the football season to begin, considering that this year we are going to get to see some really fine bands from our new schools in the athletic district.”
Following in last year’s footsteps is something the Lobos are looking forward to, as last year’s band earned a Sweepstakes award, as well as “continuing to improve in all aspects of our program.” Lucita calls attention to the student leadership of band president Matt Elkins and the field direction of drum majors Elise Rose, Cecilia Zea and Andrue Varela. He also introduces new staff member Johnnie B. Green, who comes to the program “with a strong family history of professional musicians, multiple years as a member and instructor with the DCI World Champion Cavaliers and an energy level that is captivating and contagious to the students and staff alike!”
Reinforcing what he said to begin with, Lucita hits the point one last time with the prediction, “It’s going to be an incredible year!”
