On March 6th, the San Saba Middle School Band traveled to Llano to perform in the UIL Region 32 Concert and Sightreading Evaluations. These evaluations include performing a concert for a panel of adjudicators and then performing a piece of music never seen before for another panel of adjudicators in the sightreading room.
The concert evaluation consists of three pieces of music: a director chosen march and two pieces from the approved UIL Prescribed Music List. The band's concert performance earned them a division 2 Excellent rating from the entire panel. Comments from the panel were very informative and encouraging for the students. 'This is a very good band. Work on balance, intonation and pulse for a superior rating. Most can be remedied by listening;' and 'You have been very well taught for your presentation today. You are on the right track. Keep learning and improving' were just a few remarks from the panel.
After performing an excellent concert on stage, the band transitioned to the school's gym for the sightreading evaluation. The sightreading evaluation allows for the director to rehearse the band on a brand new piece of music for eight minutes. The UIL Compliance Official hands the students their music and gives them instruction prior to their eight minute rehearsal and then keeps time. At the conclusion of the eight-minute rehearsal, a new panel of judges is brought in to listen and evaluate the band's performance. The Compliance Official said 'Students listen well and apply instructions to performance!' There were many positive remarks from the adjudication panel. 'This is a well taught group-Congrats to ALL!;' 'Very energetic performance!;' and 'Enjoyed your performance! Very consistent and strong. Keep working and enjoy music with friends and community. Thank your directors for great teaching!' The band earned a first division Superior performance from the whole panel, the highest rating that you can achieve.
We are very proud of what the middle school band has accomplished. This was the first time since 2018 that the middle school has participated in the UIL Concert and Sightreading Evaluations. We are looking forward to many more great performances out of these young musicians in the future.
Pictured in group photo: The 7th grade Middle School Band members post performance picture.
Kneeling from L-R: Vanessa Limones, Edith Boswell, Nathalia Villanueva-Mendoza, Jenni Estrada, Leslie Olalde, Helen Aguirre, Diana Olvera-Guerrero, Hailey Gilliam, Denise Vasquez-Martinez, Ximena Hernanez, Brailee Prew, Jackson Dooley, Uriel Mendoza, and Tripp Ketchum.
Standing from L-R: Dylan Braun-Coronado, Alen Aguirre-Ramirez, Sergio Cervantes, Zoey Turner, Rylee Schlegel, Marc Cade, Fabian Perez, Joshua Eudy, Tiago DeLuna, Kaylee Aguirre, Juan Martinez, Debin Rodriguez, Kael Cisneroz, Thomas Brand, Abby Millican, Zoey Finke, Sofia Bagley, Dakota Uli, Israel Sanchez, Brendon Prew, Uriel Ferrer, and Alejandro Cuevas.