Harlingen South Marching Band beats the drums and the heat

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — High School band students across the valley have swapped the long summer nights for early mornings instead. This is to ensure excellence when performing on the field at halftime.

To the beat of the drums, the Harlingen South marching band Hawks are getting their reps in.

Several times during the week, students marched to the beat of the sunrise.

Senior Izzec Saldana says being a part of this snair line and this family is a dream come true.

"Coming out here every day, seeing all my friends, and we are always laughing, learning, and growing together, is awesome," Saldana said.

Practicing in the valley heat is not easy. Band director Ronnie Rios makes sure the marching hawks arrive before sunrise to beat the heat, and water breaks are a must.

Practice goes hand in hand for the marching hawks to sound off as one.

As the first day of school approaches, the Woodwind Brass Drumline Pit Color Guard, and drum majors put in at least 20 hours of practice each week.

The UIL allows for up to 100 hours of practice between now and back to school.

"It is important to practice not only so that we are together, but so that we play very well. So we look the best, sound the best, and maybe the best out of the whole valley," Saldana said.

Saldana used to play baritone in middle school, but he always knew the drum line was where he belonged. In his freshman year, he switched to percussion.

"When I was little, I came to the football games for the Hawks, and I saw the drum line all the time, and I thought it was cool. I wanted to focus on this and give it my all."

Director Rios says he has been directing for decades. He says here at Harlingen South, the band is dedicated and disciplined.

All 165 band members hold each other accountable to ensure they are the best of the best.

As for Saldana, he says the hawks are ready to show the valley and the state what they are made of.

"It can be worth it, if we all try and focus, we give it our all to be seen. Not just in the whole valley but in the entire state. Perform in the Alamo Dome, perform next to some of the best in the state."