All members of the POBC who competed in the UIL Solo Contest earned a Division 1.  Four of them even advanced to the state solo contest.

“Our top band is practicing two days a week after school and our second band is practicing two-three days before school,” Brian Wilson said.  

 “In both ensembles, performance expectations are going as expected.”

In the solo contest, the POBC has to compete against a standard, rather than other schools. To earn a Division 1, they need to to play with superior tone, technique and musicality. 

“We try to instill a high standard when it comes to individual performance from the moment they pick up an instrument in 6th grade,” Wilson said.

“The hope is that by the time they reach us in high school, performing at a high level is more of a habit than a goal.”

The students that earned a Division 1 are Abigelle Carrasco, Caleb Harold, Thomas Hudson, Gerald Jones, and Marco Illari. Those who also advanced to state were Leo Illari, Haydee Norris, Lily Fosmire, and David Na.

“I feel good about those that made it to state.” Wilson said.   “But as always, I feel extremely proud of everyone’s accomplishments.”