For the first time in Houston Independent School District history, the Mighty Cardinal Band will perform at the Western International Band Conference in Seattle, Washington on Nov. 22.

Band director Bill Waltemath announced that the band was selected to perform in the band room on Thursday. High school and college bands worldwide submitted tapes to college band directors, who then selected three to five groups to perform at the conference.

“Our wonderful kids have worked so hard and they are more than deserving of this incredible opportunity,” Waltemath said. “I just hope that they feel all that, all the pride.”

Waltemath told band students on Wednesday via Remind about the “big announcement” that would take place on Thursday. Junior and clarinet player Valeria Flores said she was very excited that the band was offered the opportunity.

“We had been [hearing] rumors the whole week of what the big news could be,” Flores said. “We were all kind of anxious about it. But from what he told us, only very limited bands get elected for this through an audition process.”

Flores said she believes the trip is prestigious in that she gets to be a part of something important.

“I know that my band director works really hard with me and everyone in the band,” Flores said. “I just think that it is such a special thing that we get to be a part of and help him make that dream come true.”

As Waltemath delivered the news to the crowd of about 60 students and an active live stream for band parents, he started to tear up.

“Let’s show the world what a bird can do,” Waltemath said. “Kids, we’re going to Seattle.”

The band will continue to rehearse until its performance on Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. To stay updated on the Mighty Cardinal Band, visit @mightycardinalband on Instagram.