Mission CISD Alumni Spotlight: Kobe Rojas Marches into the Future at UTRGV

MISSION, TEXAS— Kobe Rojas, a proud 2025 graduate of Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS), is helping make history at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) as a founding member of the university’s inaugural Vaquero Marching Band.

The former saxophonist for the VMHS Patriot Band credits his time in Mission CISD with shaping both his character and his musical ambitions.

“Band was the building block of who I am,” said Rojas. “It gave me passion, purpose, and taught me how to be a better person.”

Rojas, now a music major at UTRGV, began his band journey in sixth grade, inspired by his siblings who also played saxophone. At VMHS, he found a mentor in band director Gabriel Molina, who Rojas describes as “the backbone of the band.”

Rojas said Molina’s encouragement and leadership gave him the motivation to push himself, both in music and in life.

“He brought nourishment, encouragement, and really a helping hand,” Rojas explained. “He made the band environment one where you wanted to show up. I’d wake up at 6:30 in the morning, and even though it was hard, I knew my day would be better because he’d be there smiling.”

Molina’s guidance, Rojas added, helped prepare him for the rigor of college-level music.

“He gave me tips, tricks, and knowledge that I carried with me to UTRGV,” Rojas said. “If I didn’t have him as a teacher and mentor, I don’t think I’d be where I am today.”

Transitioning into college life came with its challenges. Rojas recalls feeling overwhelmed navigating UTRGV’s large campus at first, but his foundation in band — and friendships formed through it — made the adjustment easier.

“Mission CISD got me college ready,” he said. “Those years of long practices, time management, and dedication — they prepared me more than I realized.”

Rojas encourages younger students to embrace band, even if they have doubts about their abilities.

“Focus on what makes you happy in band,” he said. “Practice, stick with it, and put some self-regulation on yourself. Time management will make you better. The more you do it, the more you’ll want to be involved.”

For students who may feel intimidated, Rojas offers reassurance.

“You might think you don’t belong, that others are leagues ahead of you,” he explained. “But you know your skill, you know your worth — and you can do it.”

In addition to his work with the Vaquero Marching Band, Rojas is involved in the UTRGV pep band and symphonic concert band. Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a career in education, aiming to teach middle or high school band and inspire future musicians.

“I want students to realize they have the potential to be great,” he said. “With the right teachers, they can get there — just like I did.”