The Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble wrapped up their UIL Contest and Sight Reading contests on Wednesday, April 8 and also made history while doing so.

The bands received scores of straight ones, causing them both to win the Sweepstakes trophy – a feat that has not been accomplished in many years. During the competition, each band is individually judged by three judges in each portion of the contest and they are assigned a score between one (superior) and five (poor).

According to assistant band director Jose Ochoa, the students have been rehearsing during class as well as after school.

“It takes a lot of preparation to get the music to this high level as well as a very focused performance on the day of the contest,” Ochoa said. “The students have been working really hard to perfect the music and it definitely showed in their ratings.”

Ochoa said he is extremely proud of this group because they are the first to receive straight Superior ratings from all six judges since 2007. After a year of accomplishing great things such as advancing to the State Marching Contest, Ochoa has nothing but pride for his students and said his favorite aspect of being a band director is the relationships that are formed.

“With band, we teach students for multiple years and are able to spend more time getting to know each student,” he said. “I really enjoy building that relationship with each student and seeing them mature throughout their high school career.”