The San Saba Bands attended the Region UIL Solo & Ensemble contest at Howard Payne University in Brownwood on February 4th. This event is a competition where individual band members compete against a set standard on his/her individual instrument and/or in a small ensemble. At this event, students earn a rating from 1-5 (1 being the best). 55 students (7th-12th) competed in 43 solo & ensemble entries, which is a very high participation rate. Of the 43 entries signed up, 33 solo and/or ensembles received medals for earning a division 1 superior rating. An additional 10 solo and/or ensembles received a division 2. Of the 33 entries to earn a division one, eight entries (consisting of 22 Students) advance to Texas State Solo & Ensemble in Pflugerville on Monday May 28th. This is a HUGE, HISTORIC, and RECORD SHATTERING number of students to advance to state from the San Saba band program or any other school organization! Rarely do schools like San Saba (remote1A/2A schools) have such a high participation rate and success at the annual Region UIL Solo & Ensemble contest. To earn a division one on any solo or ensemble entry at the region level takes a great amount of time and effort that is already stretched thin between the other activities these students participate in. However, to earn a chance to compete on the state level takes maturity, motivation and commitment that certainly warrants respect and praise. Please find a moment to congratulate these state-advancing band students for their continued dedication and success. I also want to say “THANK YOU” to the admin, coaches, staff, and parents for supporting all the band studentsby allotting time and resources for them to practice and compete.The following students will be advancing to state: Ryan Guidroz (snare), Tanner Hawkins (trumpet), and Nickie Ortiz (flute) which all memorized his/ her respective class one solos and will advance to state. Also, several ensembles advanced to state, including a saxophone trio with Andrea Jiminez, Hailey Osbourn, and John Watson; a brass quintet including Brandon Amstead, Tanner Hawkins, Emiliano Zapata, Dylan Edmondson, and JT Mathis; a brass sextet including Brandon Amstead, Wes Gates, Mikayla Eden, Carter Eden, Ehren Thomas, and Aaron Rixse; a woodwind quartet including Marisela Zapata, Nickie Ortiz, Rubi Rojas, and Katy Ingram; and a percussion ensemble including Ryan Guidroz, John Welch, Drew Daniel, Britney Rixse, and Madison Monroe.