The Quitman Proud Blue Band secured their first “Sweepstakes” distinction in 30 years on March 29th in Gilmer at the UIL Concert and Sight Reading competition. To earn a “Sweepstakes” distinction, a band must receive the highest possible rating of a “1” at marching competition in the Fall. Then they must earn a “1” rating at both the UIL concert competition and the UIL sight reading competition.
QHS Band Director, Michael Barron, was very pleased with the band’s performance. “It was emotional,” said Barron. Barron said he was overwhelmed when he received the judges’ ratings after the concert performance. And when he received the ratings from the sight reading competition he was “super excited.” Barron credits the kids’ work ethic for the honors. Assistant Band Director, Chace LeBlanc agreed with Barron’s assessment of the students’ work ethic. LeBlanc said, “Our students have come leaps and bounds. Some of them are completely different musicians than they were even just a couple of months ago.”
Students worked towards this achievement by coming to class a little early every day to get in a few extra minutes of practice. They also held a couple of evening practices. Many students practiced numerous hours outside of school. And the hard work paid off this week.
However, some students were in shock at first when they saw the trophy. Senior Karli Cowart saw the trophy and just assumed it was for getting a “1” rating in the Sight Reading competition. “It didn’t even click” said Cowart. Senior Madysen Miller agreed and said that the magnitude of the Sweepstakes achievement hasn’t quite set in yet. But Miller, along with Cowart and fellow senior Sara Cross said they all feel that being part of the band “that kind of turned the corner for our program" is really special. Cross added that she hopes future Quitman bands will continue to put in the same hard work that they’ve put into the program this year.
The band still has plenty to do before the end of the year. They will be hosting an evening that features percussion from grades 6 through 12 on Monday, April 25th at 6 p.m. They will also host their annual Spring Band concert on Thursday, May 12th at 7 p.m. Both events will be in the High School’s auditorium.