Band UIL contest

Madison Ellis, Reporter

The Prowlin’ Growlin’ Wildcat Band placed second on stage performance and on sight reading at UIL contest on April 5 at Wichita Falls high school.
The band preformed “Spania” arranged by David Shaffer, “Joy” arranged by Frank Ticheli and “Lion’s Gate” arranged by Robert Sheldon.
Head band director Kevin Elliston said the band has been using their time efficiently.
“We used our time as best as we could,” Elliston said. “We practiced together and apart when necessary.”
Assistant band director Andrew Brinkman said the band has prepared non stop.

Our playing has gotten better, slow but steady we’ve made progress

— Andrew Brinkman

Senior Haizleigh Baugh said that she hopes her last concert is memorable.
“I’m sad that I’m leaving but at the same time I’m very excited to perform at contest for the last time,” Baugh said.
Senior Tucker Veitenheimer said this year’s music selection didn’t involve the band much.
“I’m sad this is my last contest,” Veitenheimer said. “I just wish the band students had a bigger role when picking out music.”
Freshman Seth Kinzie said the band has become really close this year.
“We’ve become one really big family,” Kinzie said, “helping each other and watching out for one another.”
Brinkman said the band performed well.
“We have a really good sound,” Brinkman said. “Everyone sounds professional.”
Freshman Kaitlin Geer said she was excited to perform this year.
“At the beginning of contest season, I was pretty nervous,” Geer said. “The more I’ve practiced, the less nervous I was for contest.”
Kinzie said he hopes the performance does well at contest.
“Since this is my first contest, I felt a lot of stress,” Kinzie said. “Most of the stress is gone now and I’m feeling much better about contest.”
The band still has room to improve, Elliston said.
“So many minor details needed to be worked on,” Elliston said. “With the progress we’ve made, we have done well.”
Brinkman said some members need to practice more.
“The band has been doing good preparing,” Brinkman said, “but there are band members who really needed to put in some effort.”