In high school band competitions, it’s all about the size of the band, not the size of the school. For Morenci High, with just 363 students, this means competing in the 1A Band division for bands with 45 members or fewer—often against much larger schools from bigger cities. But the Morenci Pride Band is proving that heart and hard work can go a long way.
This past weekend, the Pride Band made an impressive showing at the University of Arizona Band Competition, finishing 8th out of 19 bands. It’s an exciting start under their new director, Ms. Benedetta Cargile, who joined MHS this year. Ms. Cargile fell in love with music in the 5th grade orchestra, and by her junior year of high school, she knew she wanted to be a band director. With over 16 years of teaching experience, she’s now bringing that passion to Morenci, helping each student grow as a musician and as part of a team.
Ms. Cargile’s vision is to build a strong foundation for the future while keeping the spirit of teamwork alive. “I want to make sure that my band kids are doing as well as they can individually and as a band,” she shared. Her focus on personal growth and team unity is helping the Pride Band reach new heights, whether performing locally or competing on bigger stages.
The students are already feeling her impact. “This year is off to a great start, thanks to our new band director. I feel like I can really achieve my goals with her guidance,” shared one student. Ms. Cargile’s advice to “work hard, practice daily, and push to your limits” inspires everyone to aim higher and grow stronger together.
Ms. Cargile is also committed to connecting the band with the Morenci community. She wants the band to be a positive, energizing presence at football games, parades, and school events. For her, it’s about more than performing—it’s about celebrating Morenci pride and bringing people together.
The Morenci Pride Band is excited to keep improving and take on new challenges. Next Saturday, they’ll compete in the Arizona Marching Bands Association Championship in Gilbert, AZ.