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 sightreading portion. Sightreading 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 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. Darrington White, retired director from Shamrock ISD said, "Very nice sounds today. Dynamics were performed well. Great pulse percussion. Good tempos and a very musical interpretation today."
Mr. Emerico Perez, director from Alice ISD in Alice, Texas, said, "This is a Super Band! There are so many students performing today, and they still managed to produce great sonorities and play very musical! Students thank your directors! Fantastic job! Congrats!"
Mr. Jeremy Strickland, Director of Bands at Tyler Junior College said, "Great dynamic contrast! Loved how soft you can play and how well you supported your tone at that dynamic level. You handled so many different styles with great maturity today - WOW!"
Sightreading Critiques:
Mr. Travis Hobson, band director for Paint Rock ISD said, "Very nice ensemble sound. Fine job in regards to balance, blend, and pitch center. Good teaching is evident. Bravo!"
Ms. Cari Martin, former director of Teague ISD said, "Students are focused during the instruction period-great job. I appreciate your attire and professionalism in the sightreading room. Good instructions by the director-you used your time wisely. I enjoyed your performance today. Keep up the Great work! Thank your directors for all of their hard work."
Mr. George Strickland, retired Assistant Director of UIL Music said, "A very musical and artistic performance. Great attention to style, dynamics and phrasing. You read very well-Congrats!! I enjoyed hearing your performance."
The critique sheets that were written about the San Saba Bands' performances on this particular day are nothing that I have ever seen before. This year's group of kids are just a very special group of kids. They are an incredible group who put forth their very best when performing. I could not be more proud to lead them. I have had a judge here and there approach me about my students' performances in the past, but I have never had ALL six of them approach me about their performances like I did on Wednesday in Burnet. That was a very special moment for me. What a great feeling that was.
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.