Every year during Fiesta, San Antonio’s streets come alive with music, color, and celebration. Parades like the Battle of Flowers and the Flambeau are signature events, and the marching bands that fill the routes with rhythm and energy are a beloved part of the tradition. But what many San Antonians may not realize is that some of these local bands aren’t just crowd favorites — they’re among the very best in the nation.
Two powerhouse programs in particular — the Ronald Reagan High School Band and the Claudia Taylor Johnson High School Band — have achieved honors that place them at the top of the high school marching band world.
The Reagan Band has earned a reputation as one of the most consistently outstanding programs in the country. The ensemble has set records at the Bands of America (BOA) San Antonio Super Regional, a contest widely considered the most competitive marching band competition in the country. Reagan is a multi-time BOA regional champion and a frequent Grand National Finalist. The band has marched in both the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rose Parade and was selected to perform at the prestigious Midwest Clinic in Chicago — an international benchmark for excellence in music education.
The Claudia Taylor Johnson Band has built its own legacy of excellence, equally impressive and deeply respected across the country. Johnson has also set scoring records at BOA’s San Antonio Super Regional, in addition to winning multiple regional titles and earning consistent placements as a Grand National Finalist. In 2020, the band was crowned UIL State Marching Contest Champion — a rare and coveted achievement in Texas. Johnson has also performed in the Rose Parade and was an invited performing ensemble at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago.
You can catch these bands in action during Fiesta:
Thursday, May 1st at 7pm at the 89th Annual Band Festival at Alamo Stadium and
Friday, May 2nd at 10:30 am in the iconic Battle of Flowers Parade downtown.
Of course, every band participating brings something unique and powerful to the celebration. But as you watch the Reagan and Johnson bands, know that you’re witnessing programs that set the standard — not just in San Antonio, but across the country.
Led by Brett Nelson (Reagan) and Robert Lozano (Johnson), these ensembles represent what’s possible when talent, vision, and relentless dedication collide. The Fiesta performances are a highlight, yes — but they’re just one part of a much bigger story of excellence happening all year long.