Collaborating Miners

 Horizon varsity band opens for the UTEP band for the first time ever.

Article by: Jerson Garcia

The Horizon varsity band is the first high school to open for the UTEP Miners band on April 25th, 2023. The UTEP performance consisted of the Horizon band starting with their three pieces English Folk Song Suite, The Seal Lullaby, and Ride, and was followed by the UTEP band’s performance.

Varsity band director Raul Candelaria had been working and pushing his students, preparing for UIL, and now their UTEP performance. Candelaria was approached by the UTEP director asking if the band would open their performance. 

“I was told by the UTEP band director that a lot of people had mentioned that we were a very good high school wind ensemble, so I guess that's why he approached us,” Candelaria said.

Band president Junior Rebecca Ojeda had some responsibilities, as president, to prepare the band for their performance. 

“I’ve been doing more just making sure people are aware of the event; making sure everyone knows what time it's going on, making sure everyone has just proper care like having their correct uniform, instrument, music, and just making sure that we’re all ready to do what it takes to perform well,” Ojeda said. 

Horizon encourages students to continue their music career. Junior Josue Guzman would like to continue higher education at the University of Texas at El Paso.

“I plan on achieving a higher education in college. I would major in either Music Education or Music Performance,” Guzman said.

The UTEP band director Andrew Hunter, emphasized on how he wanted possible future students to be part of this concert and how Horizon was a natural fit for it.

“Horizon High School’s band is a well-respected group in the El Paso musical community. I have heard these groups perform before and have been impressed with their musicality and professionalism each time. We also have a number of UTEP alumni who teach in Clint ISD, including Mr. Candelaria. I felt it would be a natural fit for the Horizon HS Wind Ensemble to share the stage with us,” Hunter said.