The 7th graders performed first under the direction of Mr. Jesus Perez, Italy High School’s band director. The Gladiator Coliseum has been no stranger to clutch performances this year and “Sounds Of Victory” delivered their own rendition of a clutch, game winning performance.

The 7th Graders, who are known in the music industry simply as, “Sounds Of Victory”, pounded drums, blasted horns, stayed in rhythm and raised the roof off the dome, even though it doesn’t exactly have one.

After their final song, Mr. Perez passed out the individual music awards to band members. Haylee Love received the 7th Grade Percussion Award and Zain Byers, Justin Wood and Kevin Roldan were selected Section Of The Year thanks to their teamwork on their tubas.

Then the 7th Grade band traded seats with the Gladiator Regiment Band who had been cheering the 7th graders on from the bleachers.

The Gladiator Regiment Band consists of 8th through 12th graders. However, under the direction of Mr. Perez, music proved to be a great equalizer helping to bring the different age groups together to make one amazing sound.

Bringing their “A” game as well, the Gladiator Regiment Band performed three songs, ending with one of their personal favorites, before Mr. Perez passed out their individual awards. J.T. Enriquez and Brianna Perry were named top 8th Grade band members. The top 9th Grade member was Drenda Burke. Molly Haight and Taz Martinez were the top 10th Grade performers.

Ronald Helms was honored with the Patrick Gilmore Award and Mike Vlk was given the John Philip Sousa Award.

In turn, Senior Band Major, Chase Michael, presented Mr. Perez with a gift and hug for doing so much for the band.

Next year, Juniors Molly Haight and Jessica Hernandez will both be Band Majorettes trying to march in the footsteps of Chase Michael.

The Gladiator Regiment Band’s amazing year was summed up in a delightful photo presentation created by Molly Haight, ending the evening on a high note.

Good luck to Chase Michael and his fellow Seniors as they start their next great stanzas after graduation.

And the Gladiators’ beat goes on…