On Tuesday March 5th the DHS varsity Symphonic Winds performed at the Region 11 UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Evaluation at Pleasanton High School, where they earned straight ONES in both categories! Since the Warhorse Band had also received a First Division rating at the UIL Marching Contest in October the DHS Band was awarded the prestigious UIL Sweepstakes Award!!
The ‘grand prize’ of all the UIL Band awards, “Sweepstakes”, is earned by receiving the First Division in all 3 – Marching, Concert, & Sight-Reading – and is a high goal for every High School band program.
According to available records dating back to 2005, the Sweepstakes Award was last earned in 2009 & 2010.
The Warhorse Marching Band has now earned a First Division at the UIL Contest for four years in a row – actually the longest streak within the time frame of 2005 to present.
The awards present in the Band Hall indicate the Sweepstakes Award was earned many times in the 1990’s.
The Symphonic Winds performed a very challenging program with excellence at the recent contest – and the UIL judges were very complimentary! Comments included: “Band plays with a great sense of style. Excellent dynamic contrast!!” “Overall well done! Great musical interpretation!” “A wonderful performance!!”
After the stage performance, the members continued with pure focus and determination into the Sight-Reading room where they were able to perform the selection very well after the regulated 8 minutes of limited instruction.
“This has capped off an absolutely amazing year – with a total of 9 UIL judges all agreeing that the Devine Band performed at a First Division level in all areas!! I knew this year was going to be special when we started in September by sweeping all categories at the Fredericksburg Marching Contest! We are on a roll – and our kids are enjoying great success – and our kids are seeing first hand that hard work does have great rewards. What a privilege it has been to be a part of it all!”, said Jeff W. Miller, MM, Director of Bands, Devine ISD.
Band Directors are Jeff Miller, James Quinterro, and Tom Settles. Sharie Miller helps during the marching season as Color Guard Director.
Congratulations to all DHS Warhorse Band members and directors on achieving the highest possible award for a high school band.
