Marching Band: ‘We’re alive’

The UTRGV Marching Band is set to debut its show “Being Alive” at 10 p.m. Saturday, after the high school band performances at the Pigskin Jubilee in the Bobby Morrow Stadium in San Benito.

Athletic Bands Director Ronnie Rios instructs about 140 inaugural band members. 

Rios said the show’s name, “Being Alive,” is taken from the Stephen Sondheim musical, “Company.”

“But I think that it gives meaning to us because we’re here where there’s a marching band now [and] we’re alive,” he said.

Other compositions included are “Apocalyptic Dreams,” “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Promise.”

Rios said the four-movement show includes elements of humanity, drama, development and going from the most beautiful dream to something frightening.

Typically, bands will have a few months to prepare; however, the spirited Vaqueros compiled their 10-minute show in a month and a half.

 “Man, it’s incredible,” said pre-med freshman Paul Farris, who is one of the band’s drum majors. “A month and a half ago, we were taking … just one step. Now, we have almost four movements of full show, [a] 10- minute show outside in a month. That’s very hard to do. But, the fact that we were able to do it and watching the band grow from, like I said, one step to [a] 10-minute … show in a matter of a month, there’s nothing else like it. It’s awe inspiring what these kids can do.”

Last year marked the debut of indoor color guard at UTRGV.

Asked what it was like seeing the transition from indoor to outdoor, Color Guard Director Karen Ramos replied that it was a huge difference.

“I feel like indoor is a little bit more competitive, but outdoor it’s a little more mentally draining where you’re in the sun now, you’re in the heat,” Ramos said. “You have a million people behind you playing an instrument full blast. … Indoor is a little more calm … slower paced, but definitely harder work.”

Rios said, “This year taught us to be very efficient with our time and to learn to get things done with, you know, right away with a good amount of hustle to try to put a program together.” 

Ramos also said it is important to rehearse in both Edinburg and Brownsville.

“At the end of the day, we are one school, we are one big community,” she said. “And it’s important to make sure that we’re keeping everyone involved.”

Farris said Edinburg and Brownsville are both represented by UTRGV.

“They both have the logo,” he said.  “And when we represent the logo, we gotta go anywhere there is the logo.” 

Integrated health science freshman Carolyne Pereira did not expect to be in the marching band but was amazed by the program. 

“Before, there was no marching band here, at UTRGV, so it was, like, something new,” said Pereira, who is the clarinet section leader. “But the fact that it was as soon as I graduated [that] I heard about it, I was like, you know, this is my chance. Like, I love marching band.”

Spanish freshman Sofia de la Cerda encourages interested students to join the color guard.

“If a marching band of color was ever your passion, you’re not going to regret it,” said de la Cerda, one of the color guard captains. “Even though, like, it might be a little bit different [or] it might not be the exact same as … high school, it’s something that you’re going to take [with you] forever.”

Farris said he is looking forward to “being able to play in front of a crowd and … hear people cheering.”

It will not be the last opportunity for the public eyes, as the UTRGV marching band will participate in holiday parades in Brownsville and Laredo.

Once the season concludes, Rios will be directing a concert band in the spring term.

The marching band will return next semester for spring training and summer camp. The dates are yet to be determined.

Ramos said winter guard will be next on the agenda once the marching season concludes.

“We’re so excited for this season because we are planning to defend the [Texas Color Guard Circuit Independent A championship] title,” she said. “We’re planning to have a more competitive show this year.”

The UTRGV Winter guard will host auditions from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the MAC court in the University Recreation Center on the Edinburg campus. Registration will open 30 minutes prior.