The band traveled to Burnet on Wednesday to perform in their annual UIL Region Concert and Sightreading Evaluation. This evaluation comes in two parts. The first part is the concert portion which requires the band to prepare three musical selections; one concert march and two pieces of music literature from the UIL prescribed music list. The second part of the evaluation is the sight-reading portion. Sight-reading is a music literacy test where the band is given a brand new piece of music that they have never seen before and have seven minutes to study the piece, work on it, and then perform it.
Both performances were outstanding. The band was laser focused to get the job done. Many comments were made by the judges on the band's performances.
Concert Critiques:
Mr. Mike Lunney, retired director from Wylie High School in Abilene said, 'Overall good tone qualities, blend/balance and pitch placement. Well rehearsed band; great job today and congrats on a solid job!'
Mr. Kevin Heckaman, director from Dayton High School said, 'Nice full band sounds! I like how everyone is contributing to the ensemble sound. Well prepared! Observance and demonstration of musical markings is evident. An outstanding work ethic is apparent in this program. Enjoyable performance!'
Mr. Steven Moore, director from Lindale High School said, 'Band, you play with good tonal concepts; a nice job with the technical aspect of your performance. Overall, well done today.'
Sight-reading Critiques:
Mr. Darrington White, retired director from Shamrock ISD said, 'Band plays well with good attention to balance and blend; notes and rhythms were completely accurate; a very musical performance today.'
Mr. Matt Knight, director from Abernathy HS said, 'Wow! Great band sound; nice blend and balance; nice use of dynamics! This group is well taught and prepared. Very musical group! Congrats to you and your directors!'
Mrs. Susan Reynolds, retired director from Goldthwaite said, 'Thank you for consistently playing through the bar lines. Musical understanding is clear and consistent. Well done!'
The band earned a first division superior rating from all six judges. That combined with the first division rating the band received in the fall for marching contest earned the band the coveted SWEEPSTAKES award. First divisions are what we strive for every year. A Sweepstakes is equivalent to being a District Champion in all areas of band; Marching, Concert and Sightreading.
On behalf of the band program, I would like to personally thank our SSISD Administration Team, Mrs. Tinney, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Ellis, Coach Aguirre and all of the students who traveled to Burnet to support the band. Your attendance did not go unnoticed and helped show the judges that we had strong community support. Your presence helped us have success. Thank you.