Band members participated in the UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest, at Lumberton High School, on Saturday, Jan. 31 where they had 40 students including the Buccaneer Big Band jazz band. Overall, the band came away with 33 ensemble medals and 8 soloist medals by earning a superior rating.
The jazz band consists of Carter Spencer, Brylee Wilchek, Ace Henley, Caden Norton, Gabriel Garcia, Camron Johnson, Kullen Spencer, Rylan Fontenot, Norberto Hernandez, Omar Romero, Sebastian Perez, Enrique Urbina, Mario Herrera, Fredy Lopez, Abbie Bourque, and Kylee Bordelon. They performed the piece, “Backrow Politics.”
The Buccaneer Big Band made ECISD History since this is the first time they took a jazz band to the UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest. On top of that, they came away with a Division 1 – Superior Rating.
“We are so incredibly proud of these musicians and so incredibly thankful for the East Chambers ISD Education Foundation for helping us restart the jazz band here in ECISD,” Semich said. “Your support helped us get here. We are so fortunate to have such a supportive district.”
Jayla Coffey, Clarinet Soloist advanced to State as well as Brylee Wilcheck, Bass Clarinet Soloist.
“Competing in multiple events is the best way to grow as a musician,” Wilcheck said. “Moving on to State will only make us better.”
The Clarinet Choir ensemble advanced to State including Lizeth Aviles, Sthefany Aviles, and Andrea Chavez with Coffey and Wilcheck. Both Brass Quintets ensembles advanced to State including Christian Carter, Alexander Arriaza, and Hector Torres with Hernandez, Herrera, Johnson, Norton, Bourque, Fontenot, and Lopez.
Qualifiers will participate in the State Solo & Ensemble Contest on Memorial Day in Austin.
