Luis Perez, band director at Holmes Middle School (pictured above at left), has been involved with the Washington, D.C., football team for nearly as long as he’s worked at Holmes. He’s in his 29th year with Holmes and 28th as a trumpeter for the Washington Commanders Marching Band. Pictured with him are two former students who are also members of the Commanders marching band. 

The Commanders band plays before and during every home game, and during select halftimes. Before kickoff, they parade around the concourse of Northwest Stadium. During the game, they play the fight song, “Hail to the Commanders,” every time the team scores a touchdown. 

Luis was a fan of D.C. football long before he joined the band. He became a fan of the Washington Redskins while a middle school student at Kilmer Middle School. Luis graduated from Marshall High School and George Mason University. 

Luis's desire to become a band director also began in middle school. His middle and high school band directors — Gene Duman and Denny Stokes — were influential. “They taught me about leadership and life skills through music,” he said. Now, he hopes to inspire his students to see “the many opportunities that are possible because of band.” 

“I want them to know and remember that music should be part of their lives,” he continued. “And more importantly, what it took to make them good in middle school is what will help lead them to a successful life when they are out of school. Band — or any of the arts — is where we can all excel. It’s where we can work together for others. And where we can find out who we really are.”

It is one of only two marching bands in the NFL (the other is associated with the Ravens). The band was formed in 1937. 

Luis is thankful to have been at Northwest Stadium for many memorable moments. Especially this year! “We have had MANY great plays and games,” he said. “But, being on the field for Darrell Green’s last game in 2003 and then again this year when his jersey number was retired, was pretty cool.” 

He also noted the band’s appearance on The Today Show last year, which “will certainly be memorable.”

Hail Luis! Fight for Old D.C.