Raymondville Bearkat Band

Posted Date: 04/23/2021

Raymondville ISD Band   
In 2020, RISD hired Ben Keltner as the new band director and provided focused support to improve the program.  The district increased band director stipends, purchased a band trailer and $60,000 in new band instruments.

During the pandemic, RISD band continued providing opportunities for students.  In 2020, Raymondville was the only 4A band in the Valley to march at any football games, and 1 of only 3 Valley bands (and the only 4A band) to compete at Pigskin Jubilee. The investment paid off, and the Bearkat Band had great results at UIL competition.

•    Earned a Division 1 at Pigskin for the first time since 2017
•    Advanced to UIL Area Marching Contest for the first time since 2016. Finished top 10.
•    2 All-State Band members and 1 alternate.  First band all-stater since 2016, and first time with multiple all-staters since 2005
•    Earned a Division 1 at Concert Contest
•    Sweepstakes Award for High School and Middle School Bands