On Saturday, October 14, the Judson Rocket Band competed in US Band Yamaha Cup and reclaimed their title of champions for the second year.

“It has been amazing so far. Being with a bunch of people who love music as much as you do and doing your best and progressing as one giant group is awesome,” JECA senior Faith Woods said.

From playing at pep rallies to playing during football halftime, these students have been working hard since the beginning of August to show off their latest awarding 2017 show, “On the Horizon.” The show contains three movements that show off the band’s sound and the work they put in. The iconic crowd-pleaser is the ding after the first movement.

“The show… is beautiful, and you see a horizon, but at the same time, it is exciting. It is driving and moving. It is a wild musical mess but at the same time it is extremely beautiful,” Woods said.

During prelims, the band not only finished first in group ^A but also out of the 26 bands attending, winning best music, best percussion, and best color guard.

“We have this reputation within the band that prelims is always a safe run and then for our finals performance, we kick in gear so at finals that is what we are going to do,” drum major Joe Pelaez said.

At finals, the band amped up their spirits and reclaimed their title as champions again, winning captions for best music and best visual performance.

“It is the greatest feeling to be the two-time defending champions of the Yamaha Cup. For us seniors, we are doing this for one last time and it is good to finish it with a bang,” head drum major Jacob Urdialez said.

However, this is not the only success the band has had. The first competition of the season was at the Seguin Marching Festival, where they won awards for best music, best color Guard, first place 6A, and won grand champions.

“This year, I do not want to take anything for granted because we have such a great show. And no matter what happens, senior year is going to be great,” senior Heralio Nieto said.

The next competitions the band is going to are region 11 UIL marching contest, Bands of America Super Regional San Antonio, and Bands Remo Series Finale.