The symphonic and wind ensemble are gearing up for their upcoming UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest at Nederland High School on April 3-4. 

The band, specifically the Wind Ensemble Group, has been preparing pieces as in “Rolling Thunder,” “Prelude Siciliano” and “Rondo,” and “Rise of the Unicorn.” The preparation process has been different for every person, such as junior Logan Frazier.

“The preparation has been slow and grueling for a whole lot of people, and it takes a whole lot of time,” Frazier said. 

Just like the preparation process, everyone has different challenges that they face when it comes to the different pieces that we play. For sophomore Nathan Sherwin, it is listening to other people’s parts. 

“Sometimes it’s hard to remember you aren’t the only one playing, but when we play as a unit instead of individuals it sounds euphonious,” he said. 

While everyone has their own challenges and how their preparation process goes, everyone also has their own favorite piece, such as Kristian Gordon and Laken Hardy. 

“I really like ‘Rise of the Unicorn,’” senior Kristian Gordon said. “It sounds so good when everything comes together.” 

Hardy said her favorite would also be “Rise of the Unicorn.”

“It is our longest piece, and it includes a diverse range of dynamics, time signatures, tempos, and melodies,” Hardy said. “I love how it keeps me on my toes with the sudden changes. I can truly say I have never gotten bored playing this particular piece.”