“This event brings the best student musicians from all over the state, and each student competes against a standard of excellence,” said THS Band Director, Tom Kuhn.
Reaching and earning medals at the state level is considered to be a distinguished honor, as it requires a tremendous amount of commitment and discipline. Band members spend much of their year preparing and working towards this event.
“This competition is one the most strenuous events for the band program because it requires many months of scheduling, preparation, and rehearsals. We begin work in December, just before the students leave for Christmas break, and when we return to school, we are at the band hall from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. until the completion of the competition. It really takes a lot of work and effort from our kids,” shares Kuhn.
To compete at the state level, students must qualify at the Region UIL Solo and Ensemble contest held in February. After qualifying, students perfect their solos and ensembles before performing for state judges, all of whom are professional musicians and college professors.
The following band students received a medal for their outstanding performance and musical skills:
Senior Alexas Vargas – Silver Medal – Clarinet Solo
Senior Paola Aguilar – Silver Medal – Clarinet Solo
Sophomore Christina Armendariz – Silver Medal – Clarinet Solo
Junior Jimmy Sanchez – Silver Medal – Snare Drum Solo
Junior Katie Caudill – Silver Medal – Marimba Solo
Junior Samson Lao – Silver Medal – Snare Drum Solo
Sophomore Jesse Valdelamar – Gold Medal – Clarinet Solo
Sophomore Molly Cole – Gold Medal – Clarinet Solo
Senior Arturo Gonzalez – Gold Medal – Trombone Solo
Senior Sawyer Click – Gold Medal – Snare Drum Solo
Congratulations to these exceptional musicians, and to the Fighting Tiger Band for an incredible year.