The Italy Junior High Band won sweepstakes at the UIL Region 8 Middle School North Zone Concert and Sight Reading Contest held recently in Waco.

Jesus Perez, band director, was excited when he said all the judges in the concert and sight reading concerts gave the band a top rating. Even more exciting is the fact that this is the first time the junior high band has ever been to UIL contests.

In the concert portion of the contest, Larry Barton, judge, commented on the band’s nice full sound. He said, “Although sometimes the sustained notes would suffer in pitch, the band did enough things well to earn the top rating.”

James Smith’s comments pertained more to the band’s balance. He said a few instruments would “stick out” at times but said the band’s tone was mature for a middle school group.

The third judge, Paul Najera, said, “It was a real pleasure to hear a band so well taught and prepared.”

Chris Arrowood, Sondra Senn and Cathy Teltschik were sight reading judges. All three mentioned the band’s confidence and superior quality of sound. They commented on how well Ms. (Erica) Scott used the seven minutes of instruction and the band’s focus and participation during that time.

Perez said, “Overall, several judges also commented on how professional the band looked in their concert attire and how poised they were in transition to and from the stage.”

Members of the award-winning Italy Junior High Band include: Adrian Acevedo, Kaci Bales, Anton Berkley, Blake Brewer, Jacob Brooks, Vanessa Cantu, Joseph Celis, Brandon Connor, Ryan Connor, Booke DeBorde, David DeLaHoya, Sierra Flowers, Jorge Galvan, Elijah Garcia, Raven Harper, Julissa Hernandez, Amber Hooker, Michael Hughes, Ashlyn Jacinto, Jordan Lemire, Sarah Levy, Zachary Lewis, April Lusk, Kimberly Mata, Levi McBride, Ethan Michael, Andrea Munoz, Christy Murray, Samantha Owens, Isidro Perez, Jozie Perkins, Lillie Perry, Austin Pittmon, Noah Ramirez, Pedro Salazar, Halee Turner, Hannah Washington, Quintera Washington, Brenya Williams, De’Vonteh Williams, Ty Windham, Hunter Wood and Elliott Worsham.

Comment from Larry Eubank (April 12, 2012 — 8:49am)

Great Job JH Band!!!! Congratulations to all members of Italy Junior High Band!  To Erica and Jesus, what can we say…You have done it again!! From the Italy ISD School Board, we say…the Italy Band is No. 1!!!! — Larry Eubank