ODESSA, Texas —
For the 4th time in a row, the Permian High Mojo Band is going to the UIL State Marching Championships, a feat that most high schools in the state can only dream of.
“Well, it’s always special when you are qualifying to a state level competition, that's always a big accomplishment. This was really unique because we have done this four years in a row and so we are in a really special circumstance as far as to qualify 4 years for the state contest, which means our seniors have been to this event four times,” said Jeff Whitaker, band director for the Mojo band.
Whitaker says getting to the championship takes a lot of hard work and dedication.
That is something that the senior drum majors of the Mojo band are all too familiar with and understand the importance of.
“We've worked our butts off since July 29th and we've been working at it every morning, even night rehearsals. First ones here, last ones to leave. So, it's always like, seeing our progress and seeing that we finally got to qualify for the fourth time in a row is amazing and so we're feeling very happy about that,” said Alexis Sanchez, a senior drum major.
The band has no intention of going to San Antonio with doubt in their minds and Whitaker says that he and the rest of the staff are proud of what the students have accomplished.
“I believe that this is the best product we've ever put together. This is, should and could be the best team we've ever had and I think what we're going to do on that field, if we do what we need to, can be absolutely spectacular,” Whitaker continued.
As the band headed out, they received a sendoff from their friends, family, and other members of the community. Before that they even got personal messages from various public figures around the community and even the state wishing them the best of luck.
“These moments are something that are going to last a lifetime. We know it. I bet the kids on the buses know it right now that they're doing something really special and something that's not very common for a high school band in West TX to do.” said Diego Campos, Senior head drum major.