Italy ISD was well represented with 21 band students at the 2013 Centex Honor Band Concert Saturday night at McGregor High School.

The Centex Honor Band competition is exclusive to 1A and 2A schools in the Central Texas area. Students from approximately 20 schools audition to be a part of the junior high band, high school concert band or high school symphonic band.

The high school students competed Wednesday and then practiced together six hours on Saturday before performing that evening.

Jesus Perez, Director of Bands at Italy ISD, said, “I am proud of the kids. They behaved well and played well. Some of our kids received extra kudos from the clinicians and area directors on their playing.”

The 81-member Middle School Band featured 10 students from Italy Junior High – Sarah Levy, flute; Vanessa Cantu, Annie Perry, clarinet; Blake Brewer, bass clarinet; April Lusk, alto saxophone; Adrian Acevedo, tenor saxophone; Eli Garcia, french horn; Hunter Morgan, trombone; Jacob Brooks, baritone; and David DeLaHoya, tuba.

Kevin Heckaman, band director at Burnett High School, conducted the band. He said, “I am super impressed with the students on this stage. They went beyond my expectations.”

They played American Spirit March by John Higgins, Along the Beaches of Normandy by Tyler S. Grant, Alien Invasion by David Gorham and Afterburn by Randall D. Snadridge.

Heckaman said, “My intention was to do three tunes. When I heard this band, I decided to add Afterburn, a very challenging piece.”

The 70-member Concert Band included five students from Italy High School – Reid Jacinto, Amber Hooker, trumpet; Jorge Galvan, trombone; Ryan Connor, tuba; and Brett Kirton, timpani.

Corey Ash, Director of Instrumental Activities, Trumpet and Music Education at Howard Payne University, led this band. Ash said this band was one the finest bands he has worked with noting that they were attentive, responsive and respectful. He thanked parents and band directors for the training and upbringing these students have obviously received.

They performed Star Spangled Banner, arranged by Jay Dawson; The Forge of Vulcan by Michael Sweeney; Engines of Resistance by Larry Clark; and Malaguena by Ernesto Lecuona/arranged by Michael Sweeney.

The 62-member Symphonic Band had six students from Italy High School – Alexis Sampley, oboe; Trevor Davis, clarinet; JoeMack Pitts, tenor saxophone; John Hughes, trombone; Timothy Fleming, tuba; and Whitney Wolaver, percussion.

Robert Tucker, Dean, School of Music and Fine Arts at Howard Payne University, conducted the Symphonic Band. Tucker said the students had done a remarkable job. He explained that the music was difficult and a few students played notes they had never seen before.

The group performed Les Miserables arranged by Warren Barker; On a Hymnsong of Lowell Mason by David R Holsinger; and Bon Jovi Rock Mix by Wofgang Wossner.

Perez, who celebrated his birthday Saturday, said, “Having the kids do so well was a good birthday present for me.”