ROBSTOWN, Texas — Members of the Robstown band say they are celebrating after achieving a number one rating in the University Interscholastic League (UIL).
Some of the Robstown band members say they thought this season would be canceled. Because of the pandemic, they were already at home taking part in remote learning.
Band Director David Hochstetter was able to conduct their practices through zoom where they could emphasize body movement in their routines. Hochstetter said the idea of submitting videos helps the directors work on their body movement and music.
“That was a huge bonus to our show we where able to get some detail work done on that very early in the year, and that is usually like a last step thing,” said Hochstetter.
“They encourage us to push on push forward. That no matter what comes at us.” We are going to keep on going,” said Armando Carrillo who is Senior and plays Trombone.
“We’ve definitely come so far and I feel like we are just getting started,” said Paulina Robledo who is a Drum major.
To keep everyone safe during in-person rehearsals, Hochstetter said everyone gets their temperature checked beforehand, and they can pull their masks down when playing, but must wear them properly once they are done playing.
“We also have special ordinance of masks that have slit in them. So the kids can actually put their mouth pieces through without taking their mask off and they can play,” said Hochstetter.
Along with following the 6 feet distance, they have bell covers at the end of their instruments so that there are no droplets spreading out.
The Robstown band has 63 members ranging from 7th through 12 grade and they are ranked within the top three schools in class 4A. This Saturday for the Area show, they will be taking three buses with one student per seat. There will be 14 bands competing at the Calallen stadium
The top 3 bands from Saturday move on to compete for the state competition. If Robstown band makes it in the top three, Hochstetter said this will be the first time in history the band has made it to a state competition
“We’re keeping our fingers crossed. We are not letting down the energy, we keep on pushing like we are in last place fighting for top ten,” said Hochstetter.
The Band performs Saturday December 5 at 12:40 p.m. in Calallen stadium and tickets are sold out.
