Band students depart from The Nest to head to San Antonio on Thursday and return on Sunday for their spring trip in which they’ll perform pieces of music at the Tobin Center and will compete with other bands, orchestras, and choirs; as well as going to the Japanese Tea garden, seeing the river walk, and going to Six Flags. 

“[The planning of the itinerary for the trip] had to revolve around our performance and competition that we’re gonna go to,” director of band Ana Hinojosa said. “I knew that I wanted to head on over to the Tobin Center just because it’s a really great venue to play at. Then once we got that date, [I thought] ‘what can we do to kinda reward the students for all their hard work prior to the spring trip and after the spring trip.’”

For some Redhawks, this is the opportunity to talk with friends and the last time they’ll get to hang out with the seniors.

“[I’m looking forward to] going to the water park and Six Flags and hanging out with people because it’s the last chance we’ll get to see the seniors,” sophomore Elisa Zuniga said

With summer approaching, exam dates are getting closer and for sophomore Skylar Hubert, this spring trip will provide a break from school she needs.

“I’m most looking forward to hanging out with my friends and I feel like I need a break from school, especially since it’s the end of the year and all of the exams are coming,” Hubert said. “I need a break from school so I’m really excited to take that break with friends.”

Many students haven’t traveled with a big group before; so this trip will bring new experiences and independence.

“[The last time I travelled with a big group of people was] in fifth grade [when] we went to PIne Cove,” Zuniga said. “[I think this experience will be different from my experience in Pine Cove] because we’ll have more independence. We can decide what to do with our time and also we get to room with our friends. In Pine Cove it was assigned but [for the spring trip] we got to choose our roomings.”

For Hinojosa, this trip will be a great experience for students and the perfect way to celebrate the success of the band program.

“[I think this experience will be beneficial for students because] we get to perform in a really great venue,” Hinojosa said. “It’s like the Myerson of San Antonio. It’s a huge venue so the opportunity for us to be able to perform in venues like that is pretty beneficial for students. And it’s a great way to celebrate our success  and be together as a program and have fun outside of just band.”