Sharon and Steven Bell of New Iberia wanted everyone in the Teche Area to know the Pride of Cajunland Band, the marching band from New Iberia Senior High School, is going to the Louisiana Showcase of Marching Bands Saturday. Their son, Garrett, and 118 other students performing under the direction of Kelly Landry have already achieved Sweepstakes, meaning they have received No. 1 at three other competitions this year. 

The band has grown from 89 players last year to 119 this school year. With the success they have had thus far, chances are favorable for a good showing for the band who will be performing at approximately 2 p.m. Bands begin competing at 8 a.m. Nov. 3 at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Cajun Field.

“I am only one of the many very proud parents of the NISH Marching Band,” Sharon Bell said in an email received in the newsroom Thursday. “They have done amazing this year getting Sweepstakes. We are wanting to wish them good luck at Showcase and to remind people to come out and cheer for the Pride of Cajunland Band.”

Bell said her son, who plays tenor sax as a sophomore, let it slip one day that the band students call their families “Parent Units.” Through texts, Facebook and emails the messages to the musicians throughout the year has been, “You Got This,” — which is what she would like to say on behalf of all the proud parents.