UIL Marching Contest
In the fall of each school year, the University Interscholastic League sanctions an event in which marching bands play for judges’ comments and ratings. In October, The Pride Marching band performs a 7-8 minute marching show, demonstrating their ability to play challenging music while marching a technical drill. Bands that earn a superior rating at this contest can advance to the Area level competition every other year, according to classification, and then potentially advance to the State contest.
All-Region Band
Each November students may audition for TMEA (Texas Music Educators Association) All-Region Bands. From this region of schools, students are selected to participate one of several concert bands, including a Freshmen Band. The All-Region Bands meet for a two-day clinic and concert in January. Each of the bands is directed by a guest conductor, usually from a college or university band program.
All-State Band & Orchestra
The All-State Band and Orchestra membership is selected at an Area audition from students in a large grouping of Regions. The All-State Band and Orchestra rehearse and perform as part of the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, which is held in San Antonio, Texas each year in February. Becoming an All-State musician is the highest rank of competition an individual student can obtain in high school.
Solo & Ensemble Contest
Solo and Ensemble is an adjudicated event sanctioned by the University Interscholastic League in which students may play individually or in small groups. Soloists typically play with a piano accompanist. Ensembles usually number from 3 to 5 players, but sometimes are larger. Examples of ensembles that could perform at Solo and Ensemble Contest would be trumpet trio, flute quartet, woodwind quintet, brass quintet, etc.
UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Contest
In the spring of each school year, the University Interscholastic League sanctions an event in which concert bands play for judges’ comments and ratings. In April, the high school bands perform a stage concert and then perform a piece to be sight-read.
