Las Cruces hosted its third annual Bands of America (BOA) competition at New Mexico State University, inviting high school bands from different states to join the fun. This event brought together many students, fostered old and new friendships, and provided a space for bands to perform their best.
This year, 16 high school bands from New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and Arizona gathered at 6 a.m. to prepare for the long competition day ahead.
The students began their competitive day at 10 a.m. performing for the preliminary competitions, this determined what marching bands would make it into the finals. For those who made it into finals, the afternoon was spent anticipating the clock until 7:30 p.m. when bands would approach the field for their big performance.
After the initial competition, 12 marching bands made it into finals. The gates opened at 6:30 p.m., welcoming relatives, fans, and observers to watch these determined students compete against one another.
The Pride of New Mexico Marching Band Director, Steven Smith, said this competition means so much for the high school bands. NMSU’s very own Pride of New Mexico had the pleasure of ending the night with a showstopping performance.
“We’re just here to kind of show what the next step is for them [the students],” Smith said.
Before finals, the marching bands were buzzing with anticipation, finding resting areas around the NMSU campus and cleaning up their performances.
Fossil Ridge High School marching band from Fort Collins, Colo., said it was their first time in New Mexico for BOA, joking of how different it was in comparison to their home. The high winds and hot atmosphere of Las Cruces was a stark comparison to their usual BOA setting in Flagstaff, Ariz.
The young musicians gathered in excitement to express how much this competition means to their band. The students stated how important competing is for moving forward and becoming better at what they do.
“I feel like it’s a great way for bands across the country to be able to compete in a nice, good environment,” said Fossil Ridge band member, Brendan. “It’s the time I get to hang out with other members from other bands across the country.”
The students stated how this competition allows peers to witness what other marching bands are performing and learn from that as well.
“It gives us a good check to see how we’re [performing], because I feel like there’s a tendency to think we’re doing a lot worse, when in actuality, a lot of other groups are in the same association,” said Fossil Ridge band member, Liam.
Later in the evening, band members were entering and exiting their final performances; these students would leave the field with the same enthusiasm as before.
At Del Valle High School in El Paso, Texas, the students gathered together after their big finals performance to eat pizza and relive their moments on the field.
“My favorite part about this whole day is getting to see the band perform at their highest level,” said Leonardo from the Del Valle High School band. “Seeing their faces, their smiles when we finish the show — we had a good one and they know it.”
Leonardo is the head drum major for his band, he said this experience only benefits his fellow members more. Coming from a smaller band, he makes sure to encourage his band and to never let their size interfere with their performance.
“Doesn’t matter how big you are, it matters about how good we played together,” continued Leonardo. “We’re a small band, to be honest, but we have the heart to do what we like.”
Giving the same excitement breaching their own final performance, the Las Cruces High School marching band was standing in line awaiting their turn to show the audience what they’ve worked so hard practicing.
Max, a student from LCHS, said he’d been playing his instrument, the synthesizer, since he was six-years-old. He said this event is an exhilarating exposure to the world of competition. Since he was young, he said it’s something he’s dreamed of doing.
“I feel lucky — not many people get to have this experience,” said Max. “I would really recommend doing marching band.”
The stadiums were booming with excitement awaiting each of the band’s presence on the field. The students afterwards were seen enjoying one another’s company and patiently looking out for the final results.
At the end of the remarkable day – meeting peers, building friendships, and playing instruments they hold so dearly – everyone leaves a winner. These marching bands worked hard and showed their talents to the judges and observers.
Fossil Ridge High School marching band was named the 2024 New Mexico BOA champions. This band was also awarded outstanding musical performance, visual performance, and general effect.