Twenty-two San Saba High School band students traveled to UIL State Solo & Ensemble on Monday May 28th. We had one soloist receive a gold metal, two soloists receive a silver metal, 4 ensembles earned a silver rating (Division II), and one ensemble received a bronze rating (Division III). Medals are awarded to division 1 and division 2 soloist and division 1 ensembles only.

Ryan Guidroz played “Legend of a Two-Eyed Soldier” from memory on the snare. Ryan received a division II (excellent rating) and a silver medal for his performance. This is Ryan’s 3rd consecutive appearance at State Solo & Ensemble as a soloist.

Senior band member, Tanner Hawkins, played “Allegro” from memory on the trumpet and received a division II (excellent rating) and a silver medal for his performance. Sophomore Nickie Ortiz played “Adagio and Gigue” from memory on the Flute and received a division I (Superior Rating) and a gold medal for her performance! This is Nickie’s first State Solo gold metal! Tanner and Nickie have advanced to State Solo & Ensemble as a soloist two consecutive years!

A saxophone trio consisting of John Watson, Hailey Osbourn, and Andrea Jiminez played “Andante and Allegretto” and received a division II (excellent rating) for their performance. This is Andrea’s second consecutive appearance at State Solo & Ensemble.

A woodwind quartet consisting of Rubi Rojas, Katy Ingram, Nickie Ortiz, and Mari Zapata played “Conversation Piece” and received a division II (excellent rating).

A brass quintet consisting of Brandon Amstead, Emiliano Zapata, Tanner Hawkins, Dylan Edmondson, and *Mikayla Eden played “Largo and Finale” and received a Division II (excellent rating). *Note: Mikayla Eden replaced JT Mathis and learned a completely new piece on French horn 20 minutes before their performance due to a lip injury JT sustained. Mikayla should be commended for her dedication and work ethic in a time of need!

A percussion ensemble consisting of Ryan Guidroz, Madison Monroe, Britney Rixse, Drew Daniel, and John Welch played “Tat Dugga Ka” and received a division II (excellent rating).

A brass sextet consisting of Brandon Amstead, Aaron Rixse, Wesley Gates, Mikayla Eden, Carter Eden, and Ehren Thomas played “Bartok for Brass” and received a division III (average rating).

All students received great comments from some of the most prestigious musicians and teachers in the State of Texas. State Solo & Ensemble is quite a bit more challenging than region solo & ensemble, and some of the most talented high school music students in the state are at this contest, including our very own students.

These students must play at a collegiate level at state to receive a superior or excellent rating. Very few superior and excellent ratings were awarded. We are very proud of how well our band students represented the San Saba band program at Texas State Solo & Ensemble! These students are to be commended, and we look to build on this great success next year.