SAISD SPOTLIGHT: Jefferson High School Band preps for competition season
Every summer, they are the first students to start practicing — well before the football players show up for their first day of practice.
We are talking about marching bands. High school band camps begin training band members in July. Now is the time when their hard work pays off.
UIL marching band contests are set for Saturday, Oct. 18 for SAISD schools. This weekend (see details below under Oct. 4), SAISD will hold its Fall Marching Band Showcase, where all eight district high school bands will present their competition productions while working out the kinks in their program.
The grind for marching bands is as real as any athletics competition. Students and instructors practice countless hours to get the sound, the footwork and the timing all perfectly down. Go inside a marching band to find out what the road to UIL contest looks and feels like.
*Call Communications to schedule an appointment to visit Jefferson High School or arrange an interview with Band Director Jonathan Mireles or Drum Captain Sebastian Frausto.
Calendar items
Oct. 3 (Fri) – Jefferson vs. Burbank International Baccalaureate (IB) Bowl Feeder Night
6:30 p.m., Alamo Stadium, 110 Tuleta Drive, 78212
While the Jefferson Mustangs and Burbank Bulldogs meet on the Alamo Stadium field in a district battle at the annual IB Bowl, the feeder schools for both International Baccalaureate high schools will be featured in pre-game introductions. The impressive roster of SAISD International Baccalaureate schools highlights the students, staff and innovative programs that these choice schools offer to all children residing in Bexar County.
Oct 4 (Sat) – Gardopia Gardens YWLA Primary “Math in the Garden” Announcement and Tour
9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Young Women’s Leadership Academy-Primary, 401 Berkshire, 78210
SAISD is partnering with Gardopia Gardens and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County to launch “Math in the Garden,” a new learning program that brings math to life through gardening for students at the Young Women’s Leadership Academy-Primary.
The “Math in the Garden” program helps students strengthen their math skills through hands-on, real-world applications in a garden and urban farm setting. By measuring plant growth, calculating garden bed areas, analyzing patterns in nature and applying problem-solving strategies, students see how math connects to everyday life. The program also helps students and their families have no-cost access to fresh organic fruits and vegetables, supporting healthier lifestyles while building confidence and academic growth through meaningful learning experiences.
Oct 4 (Sat) – SAISD Fall Marching Band Showcase
6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Alamo Stadium, 110 Tuleta Drive, 78212
The SAISD Fine Arts department invites the public to the annual Fall Marching Band Showcase. Enjoy an evening under the stars in historic Alamo Stadium with award-winning band performances. The eight SAISD marching bands will all perform their UIL programs in a special sneak preview, plus additional performances from middle schools and academies.
Oct 15 (Wed) – Burbank High School Pumpkin Patch
5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Burbank High School Farm, 1000 Edwards, 78204
Mark your calendars now! The Burbank High School Agricultural Science department is welcoming the community to an event that has become a beloved annual south side tradition. The Burbank Farm Pumpkin Patch has something for everyone in the family, including hayrides, fun games to play, snacks and of course plenty of pumpkins to choose from for sale. Kids can also play in a corn pit and compete in a costume contest! Only $2 to enter the Pumpkin Patch.