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![middle school students in cocnert black on grassy hill with UIL trophy]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774876576/bhisd/t0m9gdpyjd71iew6ztvo/MSSymphonicBand.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1774876576/bhisd/t0m9gdpyjd71iew6ztvo/MSSymphonicBand.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774876576/bhisd/t0m9gdpyjd71iew6ztvo/MSSymphonicBand.jpg","width":600}])
Middle School Bands Achieve Top Honors at UIL Region 19 Concert & Sight Reading Contest
Goose Creek Memorial High School hosted last week's Middle School Band Concert and Sight Reading Contest, welcoming musicians from ten campuses across our region. Over two days, the students showcased their musical preparation in concert selections and demonstrated their adaptability during the rigorous sight-reading segment of the competition.
During the event, each ensemble performed concert selections for a panel of adjudicators. Immediately following this performance, students moved to the sight-reading portion. In this segment, the bands were presented with a previously unseen piece of music and had a brief study period before performing it. This exercise effectively measures their instrumental reading fluency, ensemble collaboration, and ability to execute under pressure.
The ratings for Middle School band concerts and sight-reading contests are determined by a panel of 6 judges, 3 on stage and 3 in sightreading, who evaluate the performance of the bands. The ratings are given on a scale from 1st Division (Superior) to 5th Division (Poor). Bands that receive a 1st Division rating from every judge in both the concert and sight-reading portions earn the coveted Sweepstakes Award, which is the highest distinction a band can receive at UIL.
This comprehensive judging process enables students to exhibit both their rehearsed performance excellence and their foundational musicianship in real-time application. BHISD's middle school band programs delivered exceptional outcomes across both the concert and sight-reading categories.
Middle School North - Directors: Cameron Wolfe, Suzanne Ray and Amy King
Sweepstakes Division Trophy
- Honor Band
- Symphonic Band
Superior Ratings on Stage & Sightreading
- Concert Band
Middle School South - Directors: Jose Ochoa, Lisa Stone and Jaime Talbert
Sweepstakes Division Trophy
- Honor Band
- Symphonic Band
- Concert Band
"The dedication to excellence these middle school bands demonstrated at UIL is outstanding," said Chris Brannan, Barbers Hill ISD Fine Arts Director. "Achieving Sweepstakes reflects not just polished playing, but a deep level of musical literacy and discipline. This performance is a tremendous indicator of the future strength and caliber of our entire band program."
Barbers Hill ISD extends its appreciation to the judges, directors, clinicians, and volunteers who helped make the event a success and to the students who represented their schools with excellence.