The Plainview High School Marching Band captured its 79th consecutive division one in a UIL marching competition last Saturday at Lowery Field. This is the longest known streak of division 1’s in the nation, but for head director Anthony Gonzales, it’s about more than the competition.
“Being apart of something that is bigger than yourself is really critical to any student,” Gonzales said. “It’s not about the I, it’s about the we and the us.”
The ‘us’ part began in 1917 when the first 12 people strapped on their uniforms and grabbed their instruments. As you walk through the band hall, you can feel the tradition. Placed around the perimeter of the band hall, is pictures of most of the bands dating back almost 100 years.
Gonzales says they have been fortunate to get a first division for the past 79 years, but knows the rating is never guaranteed.
“Streaks get broken all the time,” Gonzales said. “We do everything to make sure the students know that this is not a given. You have to earn that rating.”
The band program will turn 100 next year, and anyone who has been a part of the history knows how special it is.
