Alexander High School Bulldog band advances to finals in San Antonio

Caption: AHS Bulldog Band Assistant Band Director Christopher Lumsford pays off a bet by getting his haircut. Student Arturo Cabello does the honors in front of AHS Bulldog Band members.

The Mighty Alexander High School Bulldog Band lived up to its moniker when it emerged with a top ten win during the UIL 5-A marching contest held this past weekend in McAllen, Texas.

The band competed against 37 other high school bands from throughout the state. It was during the competition that AHS Assistant Band Director Christopher Lumsford promised to have his hair sheared should they win and advance to marching band area finals. Lumsford paid his"bet debt" when the band accomplished the proposed goal.

The band will compete in UIL area finals on Nov. 2 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Performance time will be at 8 a.m. AHS band Director Jose Valenzuela said he is very proud of his students because they have worked hard.

Valenzuela added that he has always taught them that "anything is possible when focus and dedication are applied to the task at hand."

He added, "It's been 11 years since any local high school band advanced to the area finals. This is the first time that an AHS band has advanced to compete in such a prestigious competition. We will be competing against 35 other bands from around the state. It will be a great challenge for all of us, and I know our students will make us proud."