The Italy Gladiator Regiment Band captured top scores in the recent UIL Concert and Sight Reading competition held recently in Groesbeck.

The band performed in the concert portion of the competition followed by the sight reading competition. Each competition had three judges and all six judges gave the band ones, the top score.

The concert judges were Ron Chapman of Aubrey, Dave Daniel of Castleberry and Patrick Flaniken of Ganado.

Jesus Perez, band director, said, “All three judges gave Italy very high marks and praised the band’s attention to detail. They pointed out minor lapses in tuning, a few articulation inconsistencies. They enjoyed Alexis Sampley’s flute solo in Westridge Overture and raved about the band’s ability to play under control at different volumes.”

The three sight reading judges were David Eakins of Throckmorton, Bruce Kenner of Wharton and Ralph Zamarippa Jr. of Wall.

After observing the band during Perez’s explanation period and listening to the sight reading piece being performed, the judges unanimously rated the band as “superior.”

The judges said, “The band kids were engaged during the explanation period and that the director did a great job of pointing out the necessary components of this year’s sight reading piece. Despite a few wrong notes, after the key change in the song, the band impressed the judges with their confident sound, even on a completely unfamiliar song.”

Perez said other kudos came from the Groesbeck band staff, hosts for the event and Tony Clines, Regional Coordinator, who left his seat in the auditorium to personally congratulate Perez and Erika Miller, assistant band director, for “leaving no doubt about that one.”

Perez and Miller decided to have a little fun with the band and lead them to believe they had done poorly because they returned to the bus without a trophy in hand. Perez told the band, “It’s so frustrating to come to contest and leave empty handed. You guys worked so hard and I’m very disappointed… in the region for not having your trophies because you earned a first division rating from all six judges!” The band erupted in a celebratory cheer that could be heard well away from the bus.

Perez said the band will have their revenge. As part of an incentive agreement, the woodwinds, brass and percussion sections will each now get to throw one pie in the face of Perez for getting the clean sweep in the ratings.”