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Luis Perez has spent nearly three decades teaching music at Holmes Middle School—and almost as long trumpeting every Washington Commanders touchdown from the stands.

Now in his 29th year at Holmes and his 28th as a trumpeter with the Washington Commanders Marching Band, Perez is enjoying a season filled with memorable plays and games. Two of his former students have also joined the NFL team’s band.

The marching band performs before and during every Commanders home game, as well as during selected halftime shows. Before kickoff, its members parade through the concourse at Northwest Stadium. When Washington scores a touchdown, they play the team’s fight song, “Hail to the Commanders.”

Formed in 1937, the group is one of only two marching bands associated with NFL teams. The Baltimore Ravens have the other.

Perez’s connection to Washington football began when he was a student at Kilmer Middle School and became a fan of the team then known as the Washington Redskins. He later graduated from Marshall High School and George Mason University.

His ambition to become a band director also took shape during middle school. Perez credits former band directors Gene Duman and Denny Stokes with teaching him leadership and life skills through music.

Today, he wants his own students to recognize the opportunities that participating in band can create. He also hopes music remains part of their lives long after middle school.

Perez said the discipline that helps young musicians improve can also prepare them for success outside school. He views band and the arts as places where people can excel, collaborate and discover who they are.

His years with the Commanders band have placed him on the field for several milestones. Among the most meaningful were Darrell Green’s final game in 2003 and the ceremony retiring Green’s jersey number during the 2024 season.

Perez also counts the band’s 2024 appearance on “Today” among his most memorable experiences.