Although school is out, the Italy Gladiator Regiment band is not finished. For the first time ever, the band’s UIL concert recording from early March was submitted to this year’s Texas Music Educator’s Association Honor Band competition.

The recording was selected as one of the two that will advance to the area round of competition. The recordings are listened to, judged and ranked by a panel of five. The other schools that have advanced to area from other regions are: Somerville, Shiner, Tolar, and Holland.

And as if advancing to the area round of Honor Band wasn’t enough, the band also submitted a recording to the Outstanding Performance Series competition for the 2nd year in a row. Much like the Honor Band contest, the OPS contest is also based on the band’s Concert UIL recording. The main difference is that bands can enter individual songs from their UIL program. The band’s recording of “Lexington March” placed 1st in the region for 1A concert march. The band’s recording of “Maesong” placed 2nd in the concert selection. Both will advance to the area hearing.

Congratulations to the Italy High School band members! You’ve had a truly special year!