Students prepare solos starting in December, begin practicing with piano players two weeks prior to the competition, and then compete for 1st division ratings. Most students play college level material and have minimal time to prepare. Many of the soloists met with their accompanists only twice, either early in the mornings or late in the evening.
“This competition is the most strenuous event for the band program because it requires many months of scheduling, preparation, and rehearsals,” shared Band Director Tom Kuhn. “We begin work in December, just before the students leave for winter break, and when we return to school we are at the band hall from early in the morning until late in the evening until the completion of the competition. It really takes a lot of work and effort from our student musicians.”
Students who earned 1st division rating on either their solo or ensemble will complete at the state competition in Austin on May 26.
Congratulations to the following students who received a 1st division on their solo:
Flute: Caitlyn Bishop, Kayla Kretzmeier, Elizabeth Martinez, Joanna Reyna, Jonathan Valdelamar
Clarinet: Christina Armendariz, Abigail Bunch, Janie Gonzalez, Edith Hernandez, Alayna Marroquin, Jessica Mendoza, Genesis Nunez, Ashlyn Staeger, Audilia Vargas
Bass Clarinet: Alessandra Lopez
Alto Saxophone: Preston Harris, Mallory Hall, Nathan Rogers
Trumpet: Proto Castro, Jesus Gonzalez, Kennedy Smith
F Horn: Karen Acevedo, Abby Green, Courtney Harrell, Alondra Rodriguez
Trombone: Josh Lara, Josh Martinez, Gerardo Perez
Euphonium: Tayah Harris
Tuba: Brody Dunn, Diana Perez
Snare Drum: Israel Castro, Courtney Thornton, Adrian Williams, Sydney Womack
Congratulations to the following students who received a 1st division on their ensemble:
Flute Trio: Margarita Rodriguez, Abigail Vega, Jennifer Zuniga
Flute Choir: Caitlyn Bishop, Kayla Kretzmeier, Joanna Reyna, Jonathan Valdelamar, Brianna Vargas, Samantha Wilkins
Clarinet Trio: Christina Armendariz, Genesis Nunez, Audilia Vargas
Saxaphone Quartet: Preston Harris, Nathan Henriquez, Nathan Rogers, Hazel Vargas
Brass Quintet: Karen Acevedo, Alina Adkins, Tayah Harris, Josh Lara, Kennedy Smith
Brass Quintet: Angie Acevedo, Jessica Batres, Proto Castro, Austin Harris, Gerardo Perez
Percussion Ensemble: Israel Castro, Arnaldo Ibarra, Amelia Miramontes, Courtney Thornton, Sydney Womack
Congratulations to the students who qualified for the UIL State Solo and Ensemble Contest in one event:
Margarita Rodriguez, Abigail Vega, Jennifer Zuniga, Caitlyn Bishop, Kayla Kretzmeier, Jonathan Valdelamar, Brianna Vargas, Samantha Wilkins, Genesis Nunez, Preston Harris, Nathan Henriquez, Nathan Rogers, Hazel Vargas, Angie Acevedo, Jessica Batres, Proto Castro, Austin Harris, Gerardo Perez, Karen Acevedo, Alina Adkins, Tayah Harris, Josh Lara, Kennedy Smith, Arnaldo Ibarra, and Amelia Miramontes.
Congratulations to the students who qualified for the UIL State Solo and Ensemble Contest in two events:
Joanna Reyna, Christina Armendariz, Audilia Vargas, Israel Castro, Courtney Thornton and Sydney Womack.