MHS Bands Receive "Superior" Ratings
    By Staff Writers ~~ The Monahans News, May 4, 2009

On April 15, the Monahans High School Honor and Symphonic Bands competed at the UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest at Midland Lee High School.  At this contest, bands from 4A and 5A schools prepare musicc to perform at the contest.  The Monahans Symphonic Band, directed by Jason Duck, performed on stage and sightread in the morning.  The soloist for the Symphonic Band were:  Lindsey Self on trumpet, Andrew Ligon on Tuba, and Daniel Lopez on Euphonium.  They performed March of the Irish Guard, Joy and Contempo.  After this performance, the Symphonic Band performed in the sightreading contest, which required the students to perform music they have never seen or heard before.  The Symphonic Band earned a Division 1 rating in both concert and sightreading and was the only 3A non-varsity in the region to do so this year.  In response to this accomplishment, Mr. Duck said, "I'm extremely proud of how the students performed, and am excited about the new level of success the students have achieved this year."

The Honor Band, directed by Jeff Whitaker, performed that afternoon.  They played The Black Horse Troop, Incantation & Dance, and In the Center Ring.  The Students that performed solos during the concert were Mireya Reyes (flute/piccolo), Delaney Rives (clarinet), Priscilla Gould (clarinet), Bobby Fabian (bass clarinet), and Bo Rose (euphonium).

Following this concert, the Honor Band had an outstanding performance at the sightreading contest.  They received Division 1 ratings in both concert and sightreading.  Director Jeff Whitaker said, "The students had an amazing performance, and they are incredible people.  I am very proud of all of them."

Both bands were highly complimented by all six judges.  One of the band's judges, Joe Barrow, wrote, "A really wonderful performance from a wonderful band."  Another judge, Steve Musser, wrote, "You should be proud of today's performance."

Both bands received a Division 1 Superior rating in concert and sightreading, which is the highest rating that can be received.  This was the first time in over 10 years both high school bands received a Division 1 for both their concert performance and the sightreading performance.  James Mallow, concert judge, wrote, "How great it is to see and hear the great Monahans Band upholding their fine tradition."

Keyed by Harlon Carter, Senior '09