Harlingen High School South 1st and 3rd jazz ensembles, and Salsa group competed at the Port Isabel Jazz and Arts Festival on Saturday, April 1. Their performances were no joke. The varsity jazz ensemble also put on a phenomenal performance. Comprised of freshman through seniors, they played at a level that allowed them to be awarded 1st division ratings, Outstanding Saxophone, Trumpet, and Trombone sections, 1st place in the 6A division and Grand Champion of the entire festival.The sub non-varsity jazz group, led by Jose Garcia, received 1st division ratings and won their category. The Salsa group, under the direction of Mr. Raul Liendo, received a 1st division rating, won the award for best percussion, and placed 1st in their category.
While that was taking place, South’s Winter Guard also competed in Kingsville after earning an invitation to the T.E.C.A. (Texas Educational Color Guard Association) State Contest. The Winter Guard, under the direction of Laura Benavides and Serena Hernandez, finished their season with a spectacular 5th place out of 19.
The South band will continue to compete in the upcoming UIL Concert and Sight Reading contest on April 11 and 12. The jazz groups will compete in the HCISD jazz festival on April 29 and the McAllen jazz fest on May 6.
