The El Dorado High School Marching Band is hitting a high note after qualifying for the 2026 Conference 5A UIL State Marching Band Championship on Nov. 2. The Aztecs earned their spot after competing against 23 bands in the preliminary round and 10 bands in the finals of the 5A Area A Marching Band Contest on Oct. 24 at Astound Stadium in Midland. This is the second time in three years the high school has advanced to the state marching band competition.

El Dorado High School band director Cesar Hinojos credited the achievement not only to his students' dedication and talent, but also to the unwavering support of parents, staff and the community, whose encouragement has helped the band succeed.

“Our entire community really rallied around this band, and so our booster parents have been incredible and super important to the success of the program. We're also very thankful for our athletic coaches on campus because they are huge fans of the program. This entire learning community is just a blessing to us, and I feel it's a huge reason why they're successful today,” Hinojos said.

The band’s 176 members will perform the show titled “Piece of Mind,” a play on the word “peace,” as they compete against 38 of the top marching bands in Texas at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Conference 5A bands will perform in the preliminary round on Nov. 2, with the top groups advancing to the finals on Nov. 3.