As the final school bell nears and summer approaches, high school bands across the state prepare to close out their year with a blend of celebration and performance. Ending the school year means new performances for bands, which also signifies ways to show their creativity to other bands and judges. The Mighty Rocket band participated in the Battle of the Bands at the Alamo Stadium and the Band Fest at TLU. Both events were full of laughter and cheerfulness that made every member look forward to their upcoming year in the band. 

On May first, the band attended the Battle of the Bands, where each band performing had to play a song in 2 minutes. It was in front of about a thousand people, plus people watching it on TV since it was an event made to celebrate Fiesta. Every band there was from a different side of San Antonio, and even from out of town. Everyone’s shows were made with originality that showed their hard work. Some bands brought an immense amount of positive and exciting energy that had the public dancing and clapping for them. A great example of this was the Sam Houston band. 

The Mighty Rocket band played “Dance the Night” by Dua Lipa. This energetic song was fun to play, but it was amazing to see the audience clapping in beat to the song. At the end of the performance, the band members left feeling proud since it was clear that they had delivered their best effort.

“The event was fun because I was able to play with my favorite people,” said Leticia Sandate, a percussionist. 

These events are especially significant for the high school seniors who are graduating this year. Because it is the last moments, they can enjoy themselves with a group of people they have been spending many afternoons with. And it is very easy to become friends with new people at these types of events. 

“I met one guy. I played rock, paper, scissors with him. I won once, he won once, we tied,” said Leon Rodriguez. 

The next event the band performed in was the Band Fest at TLU. Here, the band played “Captain Dane,” “Energy Ball,” and “Shadow Fire.” Because they had played two of these songs many times before, it gave the band confidence and had a significant role in the outcome of their performance. At the end of their turn, the band was given tips from the band director of TLU. 

“He was really nice, and one thing he told us was that ‘tools are able to solve the problem, but you shouldn’t rely on them,’” said Leon Rodriguez. 

This band director helped the band improve in just five minutes. He had a lot of patience, too, which made this trip memorable. 

“The band director over there lightened up my mood after the talk that he gave us, and I really enjoyed it,” said Leticia Sandate. 

Not only did the judges tell the band that they could feel their amazing energy through the performance, but they were also given a first division trophy.

For the Mighty Rocket band, events like the Battle of the Bands and Band Fest at TLU were not only opportunities to shine but also moments that created lasting memories. With a first division trophy in hand and spirits high, the band ends the year with pride and excitement for what lies ahead.