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Sulphur Springs HIgh School Wind Ensemble with trophy -
Sulphur Springs High School Symphonic Band Photos courtesy SSHS Band
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|Sulphur Springs High School Bands
Sweepstakes is achieved by competing bands when a group receives all first division ratings for the entire school year from all contest judging panels. “A first division rating at UIL contest is a very high standard. The performance must meet the top level in all musical categories for a judge to award a one.” Spencer Emmert, director of bands.
High school bands must make a first division in Marching Band during the Fall semester and then also at Concert and Sight Reading Contest in the Spring, while middle school bands have Spring semester Concert and Sight Reading Contest only.
On March 7, the High School Band’s Wind Ensemble, directed by Mr. Emmert, traveled to Gilmer for their UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest and received straight first di- visions from all six judges. “We challenged these students this semester, playing what we think is the most challenging program in school history. They took on the challenge so well and worked in extra rehearsals, sectionals, and lots of individual practice to get a top level program ready for contest. All I can say is ‘Wow’! They played so well!” Emmert said. One judge is quoted on their critique sheet as saying, “Wow Band, I feel as though I am witnessing something very special.” Another judge said, “I have a to admit it, you had me in a trance…I was just sitting and enjoying your performance.”
“These comments are some of the most complimentary I ever had on any judging sheets in my 22 years of taking bands to contest,” Emmert said, “We are so proud of where these students and this band program have come and are headed.”
On March 26, the High School Symphonic Band traveled to Mount Pleasant for their UIL contest. This contest was proven to be a very tough one, as only four out of the eighteen entered bands made straight ones. The SSHS Symphonic Band was one of those. “I am so proud of these students’ work! They had the best performance of the year at contest,” Allison Martinez, assistant HS and Symphonic Band director said.
Along with their first division in Marching Band, these ratings qualified both High School Bands for Sweepstakes.
The Middle School Band program traveled to New Boston on March 27 and 28 for their UIL contests. The MS Symphonic Band is directed by Zachary Griffin. They performed a very challenging program at contest with particularly hard judging on their day. They were the final band of the day and no group to that point had received a first division on stage. They ended the day as the only band to received first divisions and the Sweepstakes Trophy.
The Middle School Wind Ensemble was the final Sulphur Springs group to perform at UIL contest. “Our top MS group, the Wind Ensemble, did such an amazing job rising to the challenge of performing extremely high level literature. These pieces we worked up are certainly of high school level,” Brittany Robinett, head MS Band director said, “They played like pros and received straight ones!” This rounded out the best possible outcome for the SSISD Band program, with all four groups bringing home their SWEEPSTAKES TROPHY. “Our trophy cases are continuing to get more and more full, but the the work ethic and the selfless commitment to their band team that is the most impressive thing,” Emmert said.
The Band is making exciting plans for their Fall show with another State run coming next year. The show theme will be released on April 12. Stay tuned!