This year the Wildcat Band competed in UIL Solo and Ensemble Contests, beginning Sunday, Feb. 7, with the UIL, Vocal Solo contest held in Levelland. This is only the second time in many years to have a Littlefield student compete in that event.
Senior student, Veronica Tones, earned a gold medal and qualified for UIL State Solo Competition.
For the first time, Jacob Turpen entered the UIL Piano Solo Competition, and earned a second division, when he performed his piano solo at Talkington High School in Lubbock. Instructors are proud of his decision to compete and do it. Next year Jacob and his instructors will have a better idea of how to prepare him for this portion of the UIL process.
This past Saturday, Feb. 27, one Junior High School and 38 Littlefield High School band members were judged in 20 different events: 10 solos, 4 trios, 4 quartets, and 2 quintets.
Because of Covid, the 39 students didn’t travel anywhere, since the the region voted to have a travelling judge. The judge was Mack Bibb, retired band director from Lubbock Coronado High School. The local students were prepared and dressed for success.
Preparation for this contest began the week students returned from the Christmas break.
All three directors began working with the athletic band students at 7 a.m. before school, for the athletes who couldn’t attend after school. Then after school, the directors scheduled each ensemble for a practice time each week.
The directors are fully committed to helping any student achieve their goal.
All 10 of the Solos earned a 1st division, (mostly gold medals). There were two Class 2 (medium level of difficulty) that earned a silver medal.
Students earning a silver medal are: Andrew MacDonald and Chloe Sawyer.
Students earning a gold medal, but not advancing to the state contest are: Victoria Roque, Landon McKinnerney, Mallory Marquez, and Paige Sawyer. They chose to not memorize their solo.
Students advancing to state on their solos are: Brandon Lamberson, Edwin PompaGallegos, Madelyn Moreno, and Abigail Bass.
All of the ensembles that competed Saturday advanced to the state UIL Solo and Ensemble contest in June. They are:
Flute Trio—Veronica Tones, Alibi Tones, and Caytlin Black.
Clarinet Trio—Anahi Ordonez, Abigail Ybarbo, and Lauren Turpen.
Sax Trio— Nick Caballero, Jacob Turpen, and Akia Galan.
Brass Trio—Tyree Jones, Avianna Mendoza, and Eduardo Tones.
Flute Quartets—Caytlin Black, Valeria Cruz, Taryn Golden, Sarah Maybrier, Allie Hinojosa, Kali Palma, Lily Loredo, and Katherina Ojeda.
Clarinet Quartet—Kaylee Soria, Brittany Abeyta, Cruz Avila, and Lauren Turpen.
Horn Quartet—Margarrett Rowe, Justin Ramirez, Belen Alvarado, and Avianna Mendoza.
Brass Quintet—Mallory Marquez, Chloe Diaz, Madelyn Moreno, Diego Gonzales, and Edwin Pompa-Gallegos.
Percussion Ensemble—Abby Bass, Paige Sawyer, Andrew Martinez, Madalyn Tarango, and Chloe Sawyer.
Band Director Bonnie Anderson complimented: “We as directors are so proud of these students. They worked hard and as you can see, it paid off. Our judge Mack Bibb stated that our kids were well prepared and dressed for success.
“Congratulations to all of you. It is an achievement you earned. Enjoy your award, you deserve it. We’re so proud of you. This win will make these students stronger players with lots more confidence in all they set out to do. We as directors say make the decision and finish what you start. And, did they finish! Great job!!!! You are all winners,” she concluded.