Congratulations are in order for the Lehman High School Los Lobos Mariachi Band, which will advance to the state competition. The band received a rating of one at its most recent competition held Jan. 27. That score earned the band advancement to the U.I.L. State Mariachi Championship. 

“This was so cool for our kids. They were so excited,” said Daphne Tenorio, Hays CISD Mariachi Booster Club president. “I don’t think I have seen smiles this big in a long time.”

The Mariachi State Finals competition, hosted by the Mexican-American School Board Members Association, takes place Feb. 5.

 Lehman has participated in the competition series since 2009, when it placed third. Joseph Baird, Lehman High School Mariachi band director, said the group hopes this year will bring the band’s first championship. 

The competition will be held at Southwest High School in San Antonio. Lehman will perform at 5:30 p.m. The closing ceremony will conclude around 8:30 p.m. 

“This is an exciting time for our group,” Baird said. “I urge all of our community to come out and support our talented musicians! Let’s Go Lobos – take state!”