The Italy High School Band, under the direction of Jesus Perez and Erica Miller, ended its contest season just short of capturing sweepstakes at the University Interscholastic Leagues Concert and Sight-reading Contest for Region VIII held Friday in Groesbeck.

The band captured three top scores (1) in the sight-reading portion of the event. They received a one and two twos from the judges for the concert portion.

The band performed Courage by Bennett, A Hymn for Band by Stuart and Adrenaline Engines by Standridge.

Concert judges were David Eakins, Mike Glaze and Carroll Rhodes.

In his critique, Eakins said the band’s “tone and balance was generally well done.” Glaze said the band has “very good precision.”

Perez said he thought the band did better than the ranking they received. He said he went into the competition more worried about the sight-reading section of the event.

During the sight-reading portion, the band had seven minutes to learn a song written specifically for the event without actually playing a note. The band director was allowed to talk the band through the song before performing.

The judges were Chris Brannan, Brandon Brewer and Darrington White.

Although there were a few criticisms, they praised the band as well. Brannon praised the “professionalism of the director.” Brewer said the band had “good use of dynamics and good communication…a solid performance.” White said the band had a “nice well-centered sound with a good balance and blend.“