On February 25, 2012, 32 members of the Denton High School band competed at UIL’s Solo and Ensemble Contest at Saginaw High School. Of those contestants, 16 advanced to State.
“For this contest, the kids really operate on their own,” Director of Bands Brian Wilson said. “We run this contest with the kids taking responsibility for it.”
The band received 23 1st Division Solo ratings and 3 1st Division Ensemble ratings.
“When I first found out, I was ecstatic,” senior Quivari Maddox said. “But I realized I should have made it a long time ago.”
Sophomore Truett Ide, who competed on two different instruments (Oboe, Alto Sax), took a different approach.
“I was actually really shocked,” Ide said. “I didn’t think I would make it on oboe.”
Ide received the top rating on both the oboe and alto sax, but only advanced to state on the oboe.
This year was a giant statistical success for the high school band, according to Wilson. But he’s keeping an eye on the horizon.
“We’ve always had decent numbers, but never been this successful,” Wilson said. “This was a testament to the students’ work ethic. I look forward to it every year.”
