Springtime for the band means UIL concert season, pre- contests, concerts, and UIL solo and ensemble. The band members have been hard at work preparing for all of the things the spring entails.

“I honestly hate the springtime for band,” senior Ariel Lopez said. “During the fall, we have marching band which is way more fun and exciting.”

Several individual and groups participated in solo and ensemble with 10 people earning a Division I, advancing them state. Josephine Taitano, Jaime Garza, Austin Peterson, Joseph Guajardo, George Guajardo, Chris Salazar, Jeremy Salazar, Clarissa Maldonado, Alyssa Rodriguez, and Hailey Walters are all advancing.

“I feel really great about advancing to state,” freshman Clarissa Maldonado said. “I’m so proud of us and feel accomplished.”

The Symphonic Winds participated in the Pirate land Festival on Feb. 16. This festival is a pre-UIL contest. They received division I’s from all three judges.

“I’m so proud that we received all I’s at the pre- contest, freshman Amy Bailey said. “I’m glad all of those 7:30 AM practices are paying off.”

The band also has a concert on Feb. 23 at 7:00 in the DSAC. They will play their three UIL selections, which include Pentland Hills, Rippling Watercolors, and Steel.

“I feel ready for this concert. This concert was a chance for friends and family to see all of our hard work,” freshman Charlize Benavidez said.

The Symphonic Winds will head to Pleasanton on March 1 to play in front of three judges. If they earn Division I’s from all three judges, they will have earned a Superior rating for the whole year, including marching season.

“We are very prepared for the UIL concert,” junior Emily Kohlleppel said. “We have put in a lot of hard work and received good results at the pre-contest.”