JHS band receives UIL honors

Jacksonville High School first division medalists

Jacksonville High School band students recently attended UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest and won 31 medals. The contest, sponsored by the University Interscholastic League and hosted by Stephen F. Austin State University, was attended by almost 2,000 band students from East Texas.

Seventeen judges were brought in from all parts of the state and listened to students on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 8-9. The competition was judged on individual and small ensemble playing skills and ratings ranged from "one" (superior) to "five" (poor). Medals are only given for a superior performance.

Ten soloists and two ensembles also qualified for UIL state competition to be held in May at the University of Texas in Austin. In order to qualify for the state contest, soloists must perform from the hardest category of solos and also must memorize their music which can be as long as 10 minutes. Soloists going to state are Jose Barrientos, Terrence Boykin, Jonathan Bullock, Dusten Hubbard, Spencer Jay, Andrea McCuistion, Andy Melvin, Anthony Perea, James Pinotti and Gary Swindler. Ensemble members going to state include Sydni Alford, Betsy Gomez, Andrea McCuistion, Megan Morrison, Jonathan Bullock, Andy Melvin, James Pinotti, Gary Swindler and Joseph Villavisencio

State Solo and Ensemble competitors

Students winning first division medals were Allen Bramlett, Brittany Carpenter, Lillie Gonzales, Chelsea Hochman, Katie Kelley, Jayanna Lanier, Leslie Little, Kaley Lybrand, Mackenzie Nelson, Evan Stamper, Joni Verhage and Mikaela Villavisencio. Piano accompanists for the soloists were Melinda Ross, Jan Gowin and Jan Childs.

Band directors for JISD are Mike Bullock, Ray Vardaman, Angela Glady and Christina Clifton.