Bearkat Band Earns High Marks at the 3rd Annual Gateway Marching Invitational
Raymondville, TX, September 21, 2024 – Raymondville ISD proudly hosted the first marching invitational of the 2024 UIL season, the 3rd Annual Gateway Marching Invitational, a unique event in the Rio Grande Valley. This year’s contest brought together small schools for a day of performances and hands-on feedback from expert judges, offering a valuable opportunity for bands to receive immediate critique and refine their shows with professional guidance.
Participating schools included Santa Rosa, La Villa, Monte Alto, and host school Raymondville. The Raymondville Bearkat Band, with their show *Flight*, earned high marks from the judges, receiving praise for their musicality, precision, and overall performance.
Judges expressed high praise for both the band and the event. "Raymondville ISD has an amazing facility, strong support, and, of course, an incredible band program. I really enjoyed the entire event of the Gateway Marching Invitational. The Bearkat Band put on a fantastic show, with beautiful moments that truly caught my eye today," said Judge Michael Garcia.
Another judge, Scott Hartsfield, also shared his thoughts on the Bearkat Band's potential. "This is truly a fantastic performance, especially for being so early in the season. Don’t settle. Keep working hard every day, and you’ll be pleased with your results," he advised.
The invitational's format, which includes a clinic component after each band’s performance, allowed students to work directly with the judges to fine-tune their routines. This hands-on feedback sets the event apart and provides a unique learning experience for all participating bands.
Raymondville Band Director Ben Keltner expressed his gratitude to the band parents, recognizing their support throughout the season. "Our band has been working incredibly hard, and today’s results reflect that dedication. The feedback we received will help us continue to improve throughout the season. We also want to thank our parents for their unwavering support—they play a huge role in our success," Keltner said.
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Benjamin Clinton echoed Keltner’s sentiments, praising both the students and the parents. "The Gateway Marching Invitational is a great opportunity for our students and others in the region to showcase their talents early in the season while also receiving guidance from experts. We’re proud to host this event and even prouder of the exceptional performance from our Bearkat Band. We’re incredibly thankful to the parents for their dedication and support—they truly make a difference," Clinton remarked.
As the first invitational of the UIL season in the Rio Grande Valley, the Gateway Marching Invitational continues to grow, offering both a competitive and educational experience for small school marching bands.
About the Gateway Marching Invitational:
The Gateway Marching Invitational is an annual event that brings together small school marching bands for both a contest and a clinic. Bands perform for a panel of expert judges and receive immediate feedback and hands-on instruction, providing a valuable experience for schools as they prepare for the UIL marching season.
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