Clovis band earns ENMU, Texas honors

The Clovis High School Wildcat Marching Band picked up top awards in recent band competitions at Eastern New Mexico University and in Denver City, Texas.

"I think the kids did really, really great at stepping up to the challenge at their first contest. They were nervous but excited and they channeled that into some good success," new Band Director Daniel Perez said Monday.

Perez took the top job with the marching band following the retirement of Bill Allred earlier this year.

Clovis cleaned up in all awards at the 2024 ENMU Green & Silver Classic on Oct. 1, according to ENMU Communications Vice President John Houser.

As one of four 5A schools competing in the event, Clovis beat out Hobbs, Carlsbad and Roswell High schools to win the top award for Best General Effect, Best Music Performance, Best Marching Performance, Best Percussion, Best in Class and Best Overall Band.

"We went to the Tumbleweed Classic in Denver City Saturday.

"We won the Caption Award for Best Brass Performance there.

Caption Award is where they focus on one section of the band, that was Best in Class for 5A," Perez said.

Perez noted both of those awards were in the preliminary round.

"In the finals round, we won first place overall, Grand Champion," Perez said.

Perez said mostly west Texas schools were in the Tumbleweed Classic, including schools from Lubbock, Midland and Odessa.

"The kids have transitioned well with Mr. Allred retiring and me taking over. There was some hesitation with the students about me taking over. But the students have taken to my style of teaching," Perez said.

Perez outlined the upcoming band schedule:

• Oct. 19 the band is in Albuquerque for the Zia Marching Fiesta.

• Oct. 26 it's off to Rio Rancho for the inaugural New Mexico Athletic Association State Marching Contest.

• The season wraps up Nov. 9 with the Bands of America Regional in St. George, Utah.