Sue V. Cleveland and Los Alamos Win State Marching Band Titles

28 high school marching bands finished their state championship performances at the Rio Rancho High School football stadium on October 24 despite rain and lightning.

The New Mexico Activities Association event marked the end of a season that began with band camps in July. Thousands of hours of rehearsal led to the final shows on that afternoon.

Weather interruptions slowed the schedule early in the day. Lightning forced delays, while rain threatened instruments, uniforms, and props. Farmington High School and Piedra Vista High School missed the competition because flooding in northwest New Mexico prevented their travel.

Neil Swapp, executive director of the New Mexico Music Educators Association, described the conditions as a challenge. He stated the organization was worried about weather issues but managed the situation effectively. He noted that the contest ran smoothly and that bands performed at a high level.

In the Class 5A division, Sue V. Cleveland High School took first place. Organ Mountain High School placed second, and La Cueva High School placed third. La Cueva’s third place finish is the highest result for an Albuquerque Public Schools band since the state championship started three years ago.

Los Alamos High School won the Class 1-4A division. Santa Teresa High School took second place, and Goddard High School took third. Other Albuquerque Public Schools bands competing in the event included Albuquerque High School, Manzano High School, and Cibola High School.

Band members select a theme for their show and perform that same routine throughout the season. Practice begins in July during band camp, where students learn basics and form teams. Gabriel Velasco, director of bands at La Cueva High School, said the group brainstorms ideas until a theme and musical selection stick. Kaaliyah Hairston, head drum major at La Cueva, explained that the school’s show is called Apex and focuses on releasing inner instincts. Raeann McKernan, a band parent at La Cueva, said band camp helps freshmen adjust to high school life before the regular school year starts.