Congratulations to the Italy Gladiator Regiment band for earning straight 1st division ratings from all three concert judges and all 3 sight reading judges at the Region 8 UIL Concert & Sight Reading Contest. The contest was held at Groesbeck High School on March 5-6.

The Gladiator Regiment band performed three prepared pieces entitled Omaha Beach by John Edmondson, Blue Ridge Saga by James Swearingen, and New Horizons by Bruce Corrigan. The three judges for the stage portion of the contest were Mike Ellis (Bonham MS), Doug Fullwood (Bastrop HS), and Rob Hartman (Anson HS). They were very complimentary of the band’s stage performance, in particular, the attention to detail. Rob Hartman noted that the band has “obviously done your homework learning this music. It is well prepared!” Doug Fullwood commented on the band’s “excellent sounds… group is well taught and performing at a high level.” He also went on to comment that the band is ready for some more challenging literature. Mike Ellis was very complimentary as well and mentioned, “I found myself just listening and judging at times. BRAVO!!”

In the sight reading portion of the contest, the band read the Level II selection, Block Party written by Willie Owens. In the sight reading room, each director has 7 minutes to discuss the music before the students have to perform it for the judges. The three judges for the sight reading contest were Ron Chapman (Aubrey), Perry Morris (Retired, Giddings) and Stephen Krupicka (reigning state marching champion for 1A, Shiner). All three judges complimented the band’s attentiveness, poise, and musical maturity. One judge added that this had been the best reading of the day.

Because the band earned all first division ratings in marching in October and in concert & sight reading, the band earned the most coveted of all UIL band awards: the Sweepstakes award. This marks the district’s 3rd ever sweepstakes (2009, 2010) and the first one in four years.