A Season of Music, Emotion, and Unforgettable Achievement
The Parkland Matador Band has had a truly remarkable Spring 2025 season, one defined not just by trophies and titles, but by passion, emotion, and artistry. From Jazz Band and Winterguard to UIL Concert and Sight-Reading, our students have shown the heart of what it means to be a Matador.
Led by Director of Bands Rebecca Rodriguez, along with Mr. Homer Pardo and Mr. Kody Jones, our band program has soared to new heights—and left a lasting emotional mark that will be remembered for years.
🏆 Highlights from an Outstanding Season:
🎷 Jazz Band
SISD Jazz Fest – Division 1
Hanks Jazz Fest – Division 1
Ranked 8th overall among all El Paso high schools
💃 Winterguard – WTCA
5th Place Finalist at WTCA Championships
🥁 Indoor Winds Ensemble – “Ethereal Winds”
WTCA Grand Champions
WGI World Champions
Featured Performer: Ismael Portillo
🥁 Percussion Ensemble – Desert Vox
WTCA 2nd Place
WGI World Ranking: 29th
Aiden Ortega, Luke Peterson, Carlos Lopez, Rebecca Cardoza, Omar Iniquez
🥁 Percussion Ensemble – Sun City Independent
Directed by Kody Jones
WTCA Grand Champions
WGI World Ranking: 17th
Lazarus Vicario, Danny Ramirez, Ariel Villegas
🥁 Parkland Percussion
Invited UTEP Guest Performers for 2025
🎼 Region Solo & Ensemble
49 Division 1 (Superior) Ratings
39 Division 2 (Excellent) Ratings
28 Students Qualified for State
🥇 Concert Band Achievements
YISD Pre-UIL:
Non-Varsity: Sweepstakes Award
Varsity: Sweepstakes & Best in Class 5A
Northeast Pre-UIL:
Non-Varsity: Division 1
Varsity: Sweepstakes Award
UIL Concert & Sight-Reading:
Non-Varsity: Sweepstakes Award (2nd time in PHS Band history)
Varsity: Sweepstakes Award with perfect scores from all three judges
➡️ Parkland earned the FULL-YEAR MARCHING BAND/CONCERT BAND SWEEPSTAKES DISTINCTION!
🎶 Final Performance with Purpose: “The Invisible String – We Are All Connected”
This year’s program was more than music—it was a deeply personal artistic expression. Ms. Rodriguez, in her message to students before their final performance, reminded them that this concert was a reflection of everything they’ve worked for:
“I now believe that this string interweaves us from the beginning of birth... even the far-fetched idea of your directors (like me, Mr. Pardo and Mr. Jones) being chosen for you, and you for us. We all teach and learn from one another in ways and for reasons we can’t explain.”
She continued:
“This is my final gift and recognition to you as my students... that in this particular moment in time, our lives were meant to collide. I hope I’ve helped you grow, step into your power, and carry with you a sense of pride in your identity.”
The performance itself was designed to move both audience and performers through a musical journey of joy, introspection, and surreal imagination:
Program Selections:
Comic March
Blue and Green Music
Kaleidoscope Eyes
🎥 Watch the 2025 UIL Performance by the Varsity Wind Ensemble:
🔗 PHS Wind Ensemble – 2025 UIL Concert & Sight Reading
💬 Final Reflections from Ms. Rodriguez:
“To my students—Today is more than just a contest. It’s about the courage to show up, the strength to grow, and the bond that holds us together. I see you. I see your effort. I see the music in your hearts. Whatever happens today, you’ve already made me proud.”
“To myself—I’ve poured my soul into this. Even when tired, even when nervous—I am ready. I lead with confidence and compassion. We walk in together, and we walk out knowing we gave it everything. That’s what excellence looks like. That’s what love for music feels like. And we already have it.”
🎉 Congratulations to our Matador Band Family — students, directors, parents, and supporters — for an unforgettable season filled with hard work, beautiful music, and a bond that goes beyond the stage.
#MatadorPride #ParklandBand #UIL2025 #WGIChampions #ConnectedByMusic #BandFamily #ParklandStrong