Bearkat Band earns state title, a first in Raymondville ISD history

RAYMONDVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Raymondville Bearkat Band is starting the upcoming school year on the right note following its recent recognition by the Texas Music Educators Association.

Last month, the Bearkat Band was officially named by TMEA as the 2025-2026 3A Honor Band State Champions, marking a moment in history for the Raymondville school district.

"The honor band is something that's truly special," said Bearkat Band Director Benjamin Keltner.

Photo courtesy of Rolando Avila (ValleyCentral)

Keltner says the band has seen tremendous growth over the years, attributing the band's success to work ethic and staying consistent.

"The ability level of students has just grown by leaps and bounds," Keltner continued. "This is a step by step journey, one day at a time, one note at a time, one step at a time."

Fabian Reyes, the band's head drum major, says the achievement has been a surreal experience that will be remembered for years to come.

"That is something that we could hold on to for the rest of our lives," Reyes said. "Forever submitting ourselves in Raymondville history as the first team that ever won a state championship."

The next step for the Bearkat Band is to prepare for the upcoming UIL marching season and a performance at the 2026 TMEA Convention in San Antonio.

"We are planning to do bigger things this year, surpassing those that we did last year," Reyes continued. "Holding ourselves to that standard, hoping to improve on what we've already built."