This past Saturday, January 22nd, 4 members of the Gladiator Regiment band performed with in the Region 8 East Zone All-region band at Groesbeck High School. The band consisted of students from over 20 middle school feeders of 1A, 2A, and 3A high schools.

Despite the usual 3A dominance of the region band, Italy students managed to snag several of the first chair spots at the auditions that took place last December. Alexis Sampley earned 1st chair on Flute and Oboe, while Trevor Davis served as the principal clarinetist and was often asked to model difficult sections of the music or play tuning notes for reference to other instruments throughout the rehearsal. Kortnei Johnson also placed high in the flute section by ranking 3rd overall. Jacob Witte was 14th chair trumpet and Alex Minton-Felder, who was unable to attend the concert due to illness, was 9th chair percussion.

The band rehearsed from 9am to 4pm under the direction of accomplished director, Sherry Poteet of Gilmer. The band’s program consisted of challenging pieces such as “Flourish for Windband,” “The Bottom Line,” and “Do You Hear What I Hear.” Congratulations to these students for an outstanding performance!