The Uvalde Coyote Band earned perfect marks at the Region 11 Marching Contest in Converse on Oct. 17. The result sends the band to area competition in Corpus Christi on Halloween. The students performed a show called "The Flame Within."
The Region 11 contest was the third competition of the season for the band. It earned first place at the Mean Purple Band Classic in Carrizo Springs and third place at the Rocket Review in Converse. Senior band member Mario Juarez said the third-place finish was a big jump for the band, which he said had often been ranked near the bottom of its category at the Rocket Review. At regionals, the Coyotes competed against seven other high schools in their division. Pleasanton, Pearsall, Medina Valley Creek View and Jourdanton also received superior ratings. Judges score each band in four categories rather than against each other. Band director Marcos Molina said the band has improved since July. The students said they hope to advance to state this year.