By Amanda Alaniz

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – AUG. 28, 2025 – As UTRGV prepares for its first-ever football season, the sound of drums, brass and woodwinds is already filling the air. The Vaquero Marching Band – more than 190 students strong – is rehearsing day and night to be ready for a historic game day.

The band is participating in a two-week camp to better their band skills, learn the music and perfect their halftime shows for the hundreds of fans in the stadium for the first time in UTRGV history.

The Vaquero Marching Band is gearing up to make their debut at the halftime show on Saturday, Aug. 30, at the Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium during the inaugural football season.

Under the direction of Dr. Dustin Ferguson, UTRGV director of Athletic Bands, the Vaquero Marching Band is currently establishing a foundation for success in playing, movement on the field and working together to build a culture for the season. 

“(The camp) establishes the fundamentals to playing to get everyone acclimated to playing their instrument again and to what our concept of sound is at the VMB,” Ferguson said. “This camp allows students to learn the entire pregame, halftime, as well as all the music we will perform in the stands at games.”

Over the two weeks, band students were issued instruments, fitted for uniforms, participated in sectionals and practiced at the new stadium.

EAGER TO PLAY, PROUD TO REPRESENT

Waking up and going to the camp at 8 a.m., Saul Araiza, a music education major from Mercedes, said it was something that he was looking forward to.

The tenor saxophone player said he’s excited for the music the band will play for the community, representing the university, at the first football game.

“We’re going to be able to give a performance that really reflects how we feel as the UTRGV marching band, and how we feel about UTRGV,” he said. “Even how we feel about the Valley in general. Because I feel our first show is really going to show that.”

The first show will feature famous Mexican music, the sophomore said, and will embody their own community, symbolizing UTRGV and the Vaqueros.

Senior music education major Christopher Trevino, who last marched in high school, is excited for the upcoming football season. The tenor saxophone player said getting back into band life was a bit jarring, but he’s settling in. Playing for a big crowd feels exciting and rewarding.

“I know it’s something new, people might be nervous, but I want the community to take away that there’s commitment between all of us,” the San Juan native said. “We’re a big family. We’re going to get through this together.”

The overall excitement for the inaugural season is buzzing through the UTRGV community and beyond.

Marching band members agree – every hour of rehearsal is worth it to deliver a show-stopping performance on Saturday.

Ferguson believes camp is key to building unity and locking in focus for the season.

“It gives us the time we need to set the tone for the season, lay the groundwork for all the performances to come,” he said. “Everything begins with a solid foundation.”

The inaugural football season kicks off on Saturday, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. at the Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium in Edinburg.