Dating back to 1798, marching band was confined to the military before eventually transforming into a staple of high schools Fine Arts and, occasionally, Athletic programs. As band gained prominence, a special interest bloomed in a small Texas town called Del Rio. Upon establishment in 1860, Del Rio High School instituted a school band. Following the establishment of competitive band in 1923, the Mighty Ram Band has flourished, receiving several awards from Band Of America, UIL, and many more competitions. 

Seeking to continue this legacy, the Mighty Ram Band competed at the UIL Region Marching Contest on Saturday, October 19, 2024, . Competition took place in Converse, Texas, on the outskirts of San Antonio, Texas, at the Rutledge Stadium. 

Student musicians arrived in their newly funded 18-wheel trailer and proceeded to unload their cargo full of props, instruments, and technology. After unloading, the Mighty Ram Band departed to their designated warm up site and prepared, awaiting their performance. 

Rams performed, the 2024 competitive piece titled “Impulso,” comprised of music arranged by Carol Brittin Chambers which incorporates andi s inspired by Troke’s “Bright Blue Music,” Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 3,” “Blue Rando”, “ What a Wonderful World”, Hans Zimmer’s “Time(from Inception), and Giannini’s “Symphony No. 3 for Band”. 

After performing, the Mighty Rams returned to their trailer to reload. While the rest of the 6A Texas highschool bands continued to perform, the Del Rio Rams, never leaving their post stationed near the team’s trailer, eagerly awaited for their directors to return from the stadium with their scores.

Awards followed soon after the final band played. Band directors returned to the Mighty Ram herd, announcing the band had scored straight ones from each judge. The Region Marching Contest results placed the Rams in Division 1, advancing the team to Area prelims. 

Filled with excitement and joy over this achievement, the team returned to Del Rio Texas committed and dedicated to working and practicing even harder leading up to their next advancing round taking place on Saturday, November 2nd 2024 at D.W. Rutledge Stadium in Converse, Texas. 

In the early hours of Saturday November 2, the Mighty Rams rehearsed a final time at home before packing up and setting off to competition. Upon arriving, the team unloaded, donned their uniforms, and set up props. Finally, at 2:30 PM, “Impulso” echoed through the stadium. After the last performance, all bands were called to the stadium for results. 

Among 21 tough competitors, Del Rio placed 15th. Returning home after competition, the Mighty Ram Band is invigorated with a new, deeper drive to with a score of 19 in Music 1 judged by C. Cansler, 14 in Music 2 judged by D. Laurel, 12 in Music 3 judged by P. Tolhuizen, 17 in Visuals 1 judged by B. Pollard, and 11 in Visual 2 judged by M. Veenstra. 

The Mighty Rams, though proud of their performances, have an unending, insatiable drive for greatness. Del Rio can look forward to how this commitment to excellence will shape the ongoing legacy of the Mighty Rams long into the future.