SAN ANTONIO — Dozens of area high school bands are gearing up for a Fiesta tradition. Lee High School is one of about 30 bands competing in the Battle of Flowers Festival at Alamo Stadium Thursday night.
The Vols have been practicing for weeks. Their performance will take the audience back to the 1980’s. The students’ rendition of a Journey song that’s been popular across generations has a new twist.
“They’re looking great. I think they’re doing really well,” said Lee Band Director Hugo Escobedo. “The last few rehearsals we’ve had they really understand what they’re doing, so I’m really excited for them.”
The seniors in the band know what to expect at the Fiesta tradition.
“The really cool thing is just everyone is coming together and everyone likes music so everyone has that same thing in common interest,” said Luke Bartels, the head drum major. “Everyone is always super nice because it’s a fun, low-pressure environment and you make a lot of friends and meet a lot of new people from other schools.”
The students are a part of history. The band festival has been a Fiesta staple for 80 years.
“It’s really neat because I’ve been doing Fiesta since I was in my mom ‘s stomach,” flutist Brianna Rivera said. “Now that I get to be in the parade, it’s a real neat experience.”
4,200 musicians are expected to put on an incredible show in front of thousands of people.
The high schools will also be marching in the big Battle of Flowers Parade Friday.
Tickets for the band festival start at $5. The night starts at 6:30 p.m. with Mariachi Companas de America pre-show entertainment. The competition gets underway at 7 p.m.