Rusk band takes wins at UIL meet in Troup
Band awarded trophy for its 11th consecutive sweepstakes

State solo and ensemble qualifiers include in front from left, Kadrick Sessions, Rebecca Robbins, Elizabeth Werner, Stephanie Aills, Rachel Ellzey, Jessica Russell, Kristen Hicks, Andrew Bennette and Alyssa Marks; second row, Joey Marchetti, David Robbins, Paige Penn, Amberly Tosh and Lucas Turner; and in back Ben Christropher, Austin Middleton, Ryan Goldsberry, Josh Glover, Chase Anderson and Kyle Sinclair.

The Rusk High School Band earned its 11th consecutive sweepstakes award at the University Interscholastic League Contest April 17 in Troup. The sweepstakes award is the highest award attainable by a high school band in Texas. In order to receive this award, a band must earn a first division rating from UIL marching contest, UIL playing contest, and UIL sight-reading contest. The bands program included Pan American March by K.L. King, On a Hymnsong of Phillip Bliss by Holsinger, and Toccata for Band by Erickson.

Concert judges for the contest were, Chris Brannan, Mark Melton and Nelson Nolden.

Remarks from the judges included, "exemplary teaching and learning, great musical selections, you and your director have prepared well and your performance was very musical and exciting. Good work and understanding of musical concepts, such attention to details is so evident. You are a class act. Wonderful looking band on the stage. Your school and community should be very proud."

Solo and ensemble medalists include in front from left, Kadrick Sessions, Rebecca Robbins, Lauren Williams, Elizabeth Werner, Stephanie Aills, Rachel Ellzey, Jessica Russell, Kristen Hicks, Andrew Bennette and Alyssa Marks; second row, Jimmy Stingley, Joey Marchetti, David Robbins, Paige Penn, Amberly Tosh and Lucas Turner; in back, Ben Christopher, Ryan Goldsberry, Austin Middleton, Dylan Pruitt, Josh Glover, Chase Anderson and Kyle Sinclair.

Sight-reading judges for the contest were, Jonathan Kelly, Gerald Fagan and Kevin Heckaman. Remarks from these judges included, "Nice ensemble sound, good overall balance, good job with notes and rhythms, good attention to articulation and many fine aspects to your reading today. Great teaching and learning being done."

Rusk High School senior band students display the sweepstakes trophy won recently in UIL competition. Seated from left are, Matt Davis, Denise Atkins, Hillary Hugghins, Melissa Blankenship, Jeremy Lavergne and Lindsay Mills; and standing, Anna Marie Nickle, French Hooper, David Robbins, Ben Christopher, Pritesh Desai, Katy French, Joey Marchetti, Alicia Duran, Taylor Watson, Kyle Sinclair, Collin Norman, Zach Welch and Lucas Turner.

Other comments were, "I'm impressed, the intensity of this group - great job by director and students during the instruction period, nice style, good phrasing and very musical.

This is also the 16th year in a row that the band has received first division in the UIL concert and sight-reading portion of the contest.

Mr. Robbins said, "I would like to thank my students for their hard work and dedication to be the best. I would also like to thank the school board, administration, principals, teachers and the band booster club for all of their support. I appreciate all the hard work from my staff which includes, Mike Kellogg, Mike Miller and Barbara High. Congratulations, Eagle Band, and thanks for 'Showing your Pride.'"