Unchained and unstoppable: Apaches claim first BOA title

The Gonzales High School Apache Band made history last weekend, capturing first place at the Bands of America (BOA) Regional contest — a first for the program and a milestone moment for the students who have been pushing themselves since the summer.

Their 2025 show, Unchained, carries a theme that resonates deeply with the members: breaking free from limitations and rising above obstacles. For many of the seniors, the metaphor feels personal as they close out their final marching season.

“It’s a positive message,” said senior low brass leader Diego. “Even if you’re chained down with uncertainties or anything holding you back, you can fight back and rise up against it. It’s almost metaphorical for my senior year. It gives me hope and positivity looking toward graduation.”

That message was on display in the Alamodome Saturday morning. Despite a 3:30 a.m. call time and a 6 a.m. warm-up, the band powered through with energy and resilience, performing three of the show’s four movements.

Judges singled out senior soloist Jude Hathaway’s feature in the third movement as a highlight, calling it the sound the band should strive for every time. For head director Rick Varela, the performance showed how far the program has come — and how far it’s prepared to go.

“We treat BOA the same way we treat UIL,” Varela said. “Our mantra is about the way we rehearse. No judge can argue if you march together and play together. Early in the season you’re going to have problems, but for the time frame we were in, it was a great performance. We want to push the envelope without losing sight of the fundamentals, because that’s what will carry us at UIL.”

Varela credits his students’ leadership with much of the growth. “They have taken responsibility and their roles seriously. They know if they don’t do their job, the rest won’t work. They come together, ask questions, and make decisions as leaders. This isn’t my award — it’s the kids’ award. We’re trying to teach them to be responsible for themselves and for the community.”

That responsibility is felt at every level. Head drum major Nicholas Gonzales, a senior, said the chain of command helps keep things in order.

“As a leader, I expect to give respect so I can gain respect,” he said. “Sometimes underclassmen bring things to me before it ever gets to the directors, and I can calm it down before it becomes a bigger issue. That makes me proud.”

Junior drum major Andreas Vazquez, in his first year of leadership, said the job has been eye-opening. “It’s been an excellent experience. I get to see every person, how they play, how they march, and I get to help out. My goal is to make sure the band has fun while still marching and playing well. It’s about being strict when you need to — but also about family.”

The color guard, which also took home first place at BOA, has leaned on that same balance of discipline and family.

Captain Braylee Ross said, “I love all the girls, and we have fun even with the discipline our coach gives us. Honestly, I think that’s why we’ve improved so much. Getting first place was a push that motivates us, but we know we can still get better — especially on timing and technique. And yes, the 2 a.m. wake-up for hair and makeup was worth it for the awards.”

Fellow captain and junior Kiana White echoed that drive. “We’re at the school more than we’re at home,” she said. “You have to be dedicated to be in band or guard. I don’t want to get second place to anybody, so I go big every time — smiling, performing, being bold. That passion shows through. We’re also moving up in Winter Guard this year, and we’re building a legacy.”

Behind the visuals, the drumline sets the pace for the entire band. Junior Isaac Leon, drumline section leader, explained, “As long as I know what the tempo is, I can get it through. If we slow down, the whole band slows down. Right now, we’re focusing on keeping our feet in time. That’s the most important part. We count out loud together when we move drums or sticks. Stick heights have to be the same. It’s pageantry as much as music.”

For senior Yasmin Barrientos, balancing leadership with other commitments is its own challenge. In addition to being a section leader, she runs cross country, plays basketball and soccer, and is finishing her last marching season.

“In the mornings I have cross country, and in the afternoons I go to band,” she said. “There are days when I’m stressed and don’t know what to do, but I try to give 100% to everything. My hope for the band is to make it to state. I’ve gotten close to so many people here, and I think we can make it far this year.”

The band’s success is also a reflection of the culture shift Varela and his staff have been building. “We’re holding kids to a higher standard,” he said. “It’s their responsibility to communicate about attendance. That carries over into everything — school, life, community. When they wear the uniform, they’re ambassadors.”

The program is growing from the ground up, with junior high students already being taught the same way as the high school and even helping as sideline crew. “We want them to be young leaders,” Varela added. “They know what to do when they get to high school, and that makes the transition easier.”

Community support has grown alongside the program’s success. Parents help with concessions, transportation, and fundraising, while alumni and locals have rallied to cheer on the Apaches. “We have a lot of support from the community,” Varela said. “I’d love to see even more parents and fans in the stands at competitions, not just football games, so they can see why the kids are putting in all this time.”

Students have felt that shift too. Diego recalled the homecoming game when football players climbed into the stands to cheer for the band after their performance. “I felt really warm,” he said. “I looked up, and the entire football team was focused on us. People are paying attention to us now. We have something to strive for.”

Looking ahead, the Apache Band’s season is far from over. They’ll compete in UIL on Oct. 18, with hopes of advancing to Area on Oct. 25 and, ultimately, the UIL State Marching Contest. They’ll also return to BOA on Nov. 7 at the San Antonio Super Regional, facing nearly 90 bands from across Texas and Oklahoma — the same venue that hosts the UIL State contest. For Varela and his students, the message is clear: Gonzales is no longer content to look back at trophies from the 1990s. They’re ready to fill that case with new victories.

“We’re scratching the surface of what this program can do,” Varela said. “The kids are resilient, they have passion, and they’re building something special. We want this to be the start of a new era of success for Gonzales.”