We're excited to meet every single one of you!
Band Directors:
Mr. Sarmiento, Woodwinds
Mr. Garza, Brass
Mr. Cantu, Percussion
Band Directors:
Mr. Sarmiento, Woodwinds
Mr. Garza, Brass
Mr. Cantu, Percussion
 On March 5th, Concert Band A participated in the Pre-UIL Band Festival at the Harlingen CISD Performing Arts Center. A panel of 4 judges awarded the band Straight Division 1 Superior ratings for their Stage Performance and their Sightreading evaluation. The following week on March 13th, the band competed at the 2020 UIL Concert & Sightreading Evaluation and again earned Straight Division 1 Superior ratings, this time by a panel of 6 distinguished judges. Mr. Garza, Mr. Sarmiento and Mr. Cantu are extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of these students. The Tradition of Excellence continues!!! Congratulations to the Vela Band members that earned a spot in this year's All-Region Band! Once again, Vela lead the region with 39 chairs earned, with 4 earning the coveted "First Chair." The directors would like to congratulate every student that participated in the audition process. We are extremely proud of every single person that auditioned.
2019-2020 All-Region Band Members: Isabella Guevara - 1st Chair Oboe Bianca Guerra - 1st Chair Trumpet Joshua Escobedo - 1st Chair Trombone Thomas Hamilton - 1st Chair Tuba Flute: Angeles Macias, Sirena Gonzalez, Alejandra Solis, Rosa Sanchez Oboe: Isabella Guevara Bassoon: Joaquin Soto, Nathan Garcia Clarinet: Christi Montiel, Ana Valadez, Kassandra Lopez, Alexander Martinez, Ramses Meza Alto Saxophone: Fernando De La Cruz, Luis Villagomez Tenor Saxophone: Josiah Martinez Baritone Saxophone: Carlos Cantu Trumpet: Bianca Guerra, Edwin Figueroa, Christian Pena, Candace Messana Horn: Angelo Modesto, Reyli Vazquez, Julian Vargas, Benicio Gracia, Michael Lopez Trombone: Joshua Escobedo, Hector Rodriguez, Federico Silva, Dominic Pena, Jeremy Marks Tuba: Thomas Hamilton, Jose De La Rosa, Erick Cervantes, Kaleb Cortez Percussion: Rene Garcia, Aldo Martinez, Mariana Ortega, Joan Cruz  We are pleased to announce that the Vela Symphonic Band has been named a National Winner in the Mark of Excellence Wind Honors competition! Congratulations to all the students that were involved! Your directors are extremely proud of your accomplishment.
 The Filemon B. Vela Symphonic Band is the 9th ranked band in the entire State of Texas. Over 200 CC bands submitted recordings to earn the distinction of being named a State Ranked Band and Vela has once again ranked among the elite. This is the 10th time that Vela has ranked, the highest number among middle schools in the Rio Grande Valley. Congratulations to all the students for your incredibly hard work and perseverance! And thank you to all the administrators, faculty, staff and especially the Vela Band parents for your continued support! Let's look forward to another amazing year and continue this Tradition of Excellence and Success!
 A good source for finding used beginner band instruments is online through shopgoodwill.com. Just go to the website and search for the instrument that you will be playing. It is similar to an eBay auction where you place bids on the items you are interested in. Make sure the item you are bidding on is available for shipping. Some are PICK UP ONLY. Feel free to consult with one of the band directors if you are unsure about any instrument on the website. Here is a list of the instrument brands we recommend:
Woodwind: Pearl, Jupiter, Gemeinhardt, Yamaha, Emerson, Selmer, Armstrong Brass: Conn, Holton, Blessing, Bach, Yamaha, King, Selmer, Jupiter, Bundy Percussion: Pearl Dear Band Parent, As the director of the Vela Band, I’d like to personally thank you for allowing your son/daughter to be a part of the Vela Middle School Band program. The Vela Middle School Band is statewide recognized for its commitment to excellence in Music Education. As a member of the Beginning Band, your son/daughter is required to have an instrument in order to participate in the band class. If you have not made arrangements to acquire an instrument either through a purchase or a rental, I advise you to do so as soon as possible. The following music stores can assist you in purchasing or renting a quality instrument for your child.
If I can be of any assistance, do not hesitate to call the band hall. The band hall phone number is 698-0730.
Sincerely, Mario Sarmiento Director of Bands msarmiento@bisd.us Here is a list of "Band Director Recommended Instruments" that may be purchased online at a very reasonable price.
On April 17th, the Vela Symphonic Band competed at the 2019 UIL Concert & Sightreading Contest where they earned a Sweepstakes Award. All six judges awarded the band a Division 1 rating. Mr. Sarmiento and the other directors could not be prouder of the band for this major accomplishment. Way to keep that Vela Band tradition going! Bravo!
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