The Prowlin’ Growlin’ Wildcat Band earned a satisfactory 3 rating in concert and a superior 1 in sight reading at the UIL Concert and Sight Reading contest March 25 and will perform at their spring concert May 8.
“I think the band performed exceptionally well,” assistant band director Andrew Brinkman said. “All of the students put forth their best effort and showcased their hard work. We are very proud of them.”
Senior Kelly Howard said their music was some of the hardest the band has seen, but it was “really fun to play.”
“I think we performed well, given the unpredictability of the judges and their scoring,” Howard said. “Overall, we had a louder sound and significantly better dynamic and contrast compared to previous years, which means a lot with our unbalanced grade levels.”
Junior Ethan Pettibon agreed that the scoring was unfortunate but said it was one of the best times they have played their music.
“Our musicianship has improved dramatically throughout the year,” Pettibon said. “We’ve practiced, and it shows. I believe everyone has improved since the beginning of the year.”
This year was the first time eighth graders played with the high school.
“My favorite part of this season has been watching the eighth graders grow,” Howard said. “Some of them are better than the seniors we had my freshman year, which says a lot about the future of the band and where it is headed.”
Eighth grader Emry Veitenheimer said the band was “very prepared” for the contest.
“I think we played well as a group and stayed on tempo,” Veitenheimer said. “We are starting to prepare for our spring concert and plan to do very well.”
Brinkman said many of the eighth graders “went above and beyond” their expectations.
“We want to develop better accountability and practice habits,” Brinkman said. “It’s important that every member of the band pulls their own weight, and the best way to do this is by practicing their instrument.”
The band also held the Archer City Band Bash fundraiser March 29, which included meals, a baked goods raffle and music from Casey Pilgreen.