MIAMI — High school bands from across Florida gathered on Saturday for the Florida Marching Band Championships — including schools that faced major hurdles just to get there.

At Hialeah Senior High, new band director Mario Portela Padro took over only three months ago after staffing cuts left the program struggling.

“The principal told me he wanted somebody to make a quick turnaround and give these kids a season,” Portela Padro said.

Cooper City High School also competed without an official band director. Color guard director Calvin Smart stepped up to help lead “The Sound of Pride.”

“If I didn’t step up, who was going to?” Smart said. “I did it for the kids.”

Despite limited resources, both programs earned qualifying scores and a chance to perform on the state stage.

“Just to see their faces when they come off the field and they’re glowing — that’s the best feeling in the world,” Portela Padro said.

Florida high school bands overcome challenges at state championships

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