Harlingen High School is located in Harlingen, Texas in the center of the Rio Grande Valley. The Harlingen High School Band is a Texas recognized band program that features the marching band, five-six concert bands, four jazz ensembles, a mariachi band, colorguard and chamber ensembles. The "Big Red" Cardinal Marching Band has won numerous "Grand Champion" awards throughout the state of Texas. It is the only 6A marching band in South Texas to participate in the Texas UIL State Marching Contest nine consecutive times. All five concert bands have been awarded consistent "Sweepstakes" for their performances at the UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest. The Harlingen High School Honors Band has been recognized consistently as a participant in the Texas Honor Band finals competition, placing as high as ninth in Texas. In 2007, the Honors Band performed in Indianapolis, Indiana at the prestigious Bands of America National Concert Band Festival and was recognized by the National Wind Band Honors for outstanding performance of New Music. All four jazz ensembles have placed in various jazz festivals and contests throughout Texas. The Honors Jazz Ensemble performed at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. The Harlingen High School Band has also been named the Texas Bandmasters Association Exemplary High School Band of the year in Texas!