On Saturday, Feb. 4, band members from Greenville High School competed in the Region 3 UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest at North Garland High School. The 'Lion Pride' Band had 52 solos and ensembles at the competition, with 48 earning UIL's top rating of a Division I, and four solos that earned a Division II rating. Sixteen events, totaling 44 students, have qualified for the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest in Austin.

Students that earned a Division I rating, which is the highest honor that can be achieved, on their solos were: Jason Hernandez, Ryan Driggers, Katherine Wolfe, Destini Johnson, Robert Cade, Ethan Payne, Berkley Smith, Derek Michaelson, Xavier Griggs, Lane Wofford, Lydia Shatney, Keagan Rios, Shelbilyn Rich, Jonathan Tapia, Laura Foote, Colton Crump, Amaliah Guajardo, Emily Polk, James Parsons, Janie Shasteen, Luis Garcia, Cora Hudgins, Ella Walker, Darren Thiessen, Mireya Cruz, Luis Fraire, David Kimbley, Jacob Drake, Makayla Woods, Desteny Ruiz, Juan Lopez, Saul Rodriguez, Josh Ross, and Martha Hill.

Students that perform their solos from memory, with no sheet music to guide them, qualify for the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest held in Austin. Eight students from Greenville High School accomplished received a DI rating from memory and will compete at the state competition. Those students were JT Foote, Ryan Bakkum, Tessa Mitchell, Reese Tubbs, Katie Duncan, Andrew Evans, Jennifer Santos, and Alysia Martinez.

Ensembles that earned a Division I rating and have qualified to compete at the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest are: (Woodwind Quintet) David Foote, Bryan Hosking, Joel Redmond, Kenny Redmond, and David Rios. (Euphonium Quartet) Vance Cassidy, Bryan Castillo, Fernando Estrella, and Erin Morrissey. (Clarinet Quintet) Seth Aunger, Jacob Drake, Bryan Hosking, Daniella Portillo, and Hayley Skeen. (Trombone Quartet) Thomas Cade, Jeff Fain, Michael Sisto, and Jonathan Tapia. (Flute Choir) Mireya Cruz, David Foote, Martha Hill, Cora Hudgins, and Amanda Manning. (Saxophone Quartet) Kolton Evans, Laura Foote, Berkley Smith, and Logan Wood. (Saxophone Quartet) Kolton Evans, Ethan Payne, Lydia Shatney, and Ella Walker. (Percussion Ensemble) Andrew Evans, JT Foote, Alysia Martinez, Tessa Mitchell, and Reese Tubbs.

Students that earned a Division II rating on their solos were Ashley Manger, Aubrey Ayers, Josh Ross, and Ryan Garland.

“This was our largest turn-out at UIL Solo and Ensemble to date. We are very proud of all our participants, and are looking forward to see how all these talented students do at the state level,” said Director of Bands at GHS, Joel Weisberg.

For more information about the GHS Lion Pride Band, please contact Director, Joel Weisberg, at weisbergj@greenvilleisd.com.