New Mexico State Marching Band 4A champions Los Alamos High School Topper Marching Band. Photo Courtesy LAPS

LAPS NEWS RELEASE

The Los Alamos High School Topper Marching Band took top honors in 4A at the recent 2025 New Mexico State Marching Band Championships. Their score of 68.3 overall in the finals bested marching bands from Lovington, Portales and Goddard. They also received the award for high musical achievement.

The band is under the direction of Steve Iliff. He is assisted by Zane Meek, Deanna Teague and Christine Subratie.

“The students have been working very hard since the middle of July, and the group has really come together to reach for higher levels of excellence this season,” said Iliff. “We as a staff are incredibly proud not only of their achievement on the field, but at how much our students have grown and the level of ownership and responsibility they have learned to take in everything they do.”

The 116-member marching band began practicing for the 2025 season before the start of the school year. They have performed this year’s show, Nevermore, during halftime at home football games and at the band showcase held last week at Sullivan Field. They also performed at the Pageant of Bands in September.

The performance also features solos by Christopher Teague, Phillip Smith, Carlos Martinez, Alayna Martinez, and Avery Olsen.

This is the second year for the state marching band championships. Last year the marching band placed 3rd.