Raymondville ECHS Band Excels at South Texas Jazz Festival

Posted Date: 06/13/2024

Raymondville, TX - April 21, 2024 - The Raymondville Early College High School's Jazz Band has once again proven their exceptional talent at the inaugural South Texas Jazz Festival held at the Harlingen Convention Center today.

Competing against middle and high school jazz bands from Mission to Brownsville, the Bearkat Jazz Band secured 1st Place in the 4A category, adding another achievement to an illustrious year. Notable performers from Raymondville included John Zuniga, recognized as an All Star Saxophonist, and Steven Martinez, acclaimed as an All Star Trumpeter.

Dr. Benjamin Clinton, Deputy Superintendent of Raymondville Independent School District, expressed his pride in the Bearkat band, stating, "I am incredibly proud of the Bearkat band and how they've made the Willacy County community proud all year."

The festival, aimed at celebrating jazz music and fostering talent, crowned BL Gray Sharyland in the middle school category, Pace HS Brownsville in the 5A category, and Harlingen HS in the 6A category. Harlingen HS was awarded the Grand Champion title.