Eleven Devine High School Band members, the largest number yet, made history qualifying for STATE and competing in the UIL STATE Solo & Ensemble Contest in Austin with two ensembles (Percussion Quartet and Clainet Quartet) and three soloists (Flute, Bassoon, and Snare Drum).
“This represents the largest group of DHS Warhorse Band students advancing to the State UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest! These kids have set the bar higher now and have shown others that it can be done with hard work! We are proud of them,” said Jeff W. Miller, MM, Director of Bands, Devine I.S.D.
State Qualifiers
Advancing as soloists: Josephine Taitano (Junior) Flute Solo; Amy Robinson, (Senior) Bassoon Solo; and Caleb Martin (Sophomore) Snare Drum Solo. Advancing as an ensemble: Clarinet Quartet: Clarissa Maldonado (Senior), Madilynne Mohr (Sophomore), Alyssa Rodriguez (Senior), & Dulce Rodriguez (Senior).
Advancing as an ensemble: Percussion Quartet: Pauline Calame (Sophomore) on Xylophone, Krista Davis (Senior) on Vibraphone, Jacob Guajardo (Freshman) on Marimba, & Madalyn Zamorano (Senior) on Marimba.
“We weren’t even nervous this time since we had performed for crowds a couple of times recently we felt comfortable and confident and all played so well. We were so happy and excited to get to State and do our best!”, said Pauline Calame. “I was so proud of my fellow quartet members. We all worked so hard on our solos and parts. Metric Lips was a very challenging mallet quartet piece and we were able to step up to the challenge and make it happen. It was a great experience, something all four of us will never forget. We are glad Mr. Miller believed in us and gave us the chance to try out a quartet”
Students competed in Austin on June 3. Accompanying them were Mr. Miller and Assistant Directors Tom Settles and James Quintero.
This was the last of the contests for the year. What a year it was from start to finish, topping every contest from marching season to concert season with multiple awards and bringing home the coveted “Sweepstakes Award” in the end. The kids made history with the number of students participating as well as advancing at every single contest this year under Mr. Miller and his team.
By Kathleen Calame
Publisher
