The McAllen High band advanced to the finals at the Bands of America South Texas Regional Competition held September 19, 2026, at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Competing against 24 outstanding bands, the McAllen High band placed 12th overall, earning a coveted position in the Top 12 and advancing to the evening finals performance.
This accomplishment places McHi among the 12 highest-ranked bands from throughout the Rio Grande Valley and surrounding South Texas region. Reaching Finals at a Bands of America regional competition is one of the most significant accomplishments a high school marching band can achieve.
“We are incredibly proud of the McHi Band,” Head Band Director Noel De La Cruz said. “Our students have worked tirelessly, supported one another, and represented McAllen High School and the entire McAllen community with excellence. Advancing to Finals at a Bands of America Regional is a tremendous accomplishment, and we are honored to celebrate this moment with our students, families, school administrators, and community.”
Bands of America events bring together highly competitive programs from across the state and nation. To advance to the finals, a band must demonstrate exceptional achievement in musical performance, visual performance, marching excellence, design, coordination, and overall production.
For the McAllen High band, this achievement is especially meaningful: it has been 22 years since the band last advanced to a Bands of America finals.
The band’s success has been met with tremendous pride from its directors, administrators, families, alumni, and supporters throughout the community. Their achievement reflects the power of commitment, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence.