Los Fresnos, TX (KRGV) — Ten Rio Grande Valley high school marching bands are competing at the UIL State Marching Band Competition underway at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

A few Valley schools have already performed, and Raymondville was the state runner-up in Class 4A. Los Fresnos also made it to state in the competition for the first time in school history.

Channel 5 News caught up with the Mighty Falcon Band ahead of the state trip. 

"We’ve been working so hard this year to the point where we were undeniable, and it was an awesome feeling just hearing our name being called for the first time to the state marching band contest," Los Fresnos High School marching band student Adrian Perez said.

The Mighty Falcon Band finished second in the 6A UIL area marching band contest. That result secured a spot in the state contest and marked a first in district history.

Los Fresnos High School marching band student Evelyn McGinnis said students have worked toward the goal for many years.

"There have been students before us who have worked very hard, and put a lot of time, dedication, and passion into building this," McGinnis said.

Los Fresnos High School Marching Band Director Andy Salois said growing interest in music helped the band, as about 70 new students joined the marching band this year.

"We're fortunate enough that we saw the enrollment in the band increase significantly, so we were able to add more students to the field and just overall make a bigger production," Salois said.

Perez said making it to state will give the band a chance to put Los Fresnos on the map.

"I am hoping to make a statement. I am hoping to go out there and for other bands to say, "Who is Los Fresnos?' for them to hear us and say 'dang that's a good band,'" Perez said.

The UIL State Marching Band Competition continues Nov. 9 through 11.