Band qualifies for State Solo, Ensemble

Panther band members have had a successful year.They put in the hard work and the results have been a collection of awards.
From waking up early, to memorizing every single piece of music to getting the timing right with marching and playing members agree it was
not easy.But as a unit they created a lot of excitement winning awards and enjoyed bonding with each other.
Marching Band kicked off competitive season finishing 3rd overall at the Battle of Berry in October. At Marching UIL the Panthers received all 1’s and advanced to Area. At Area they finished 14th. Then at US Bands our talent shined as we made finals, placing third in our class and 9th overall.
Band’s success continued this semester, on February 22nd, at the Solo and Ensemble Contest as multiple members qualified as individuals (solos) and multiple ensembles (different sizes groups) also qualified.Texas State Solo and Ensemble qualifiers were: Naren Jayakumar, Joe Rios, Cristian Valle, Nicole Martinez, Michelle Ramirez, Melanie Ramos, Adriana Castro, Raymond Chambers, Denise Fernandez, Jaslin Martinez, Jonathan Castillo, Rubella Matta, Brandon Mays, Carlos Rivera, Khalil Brown, Emiliano Gonzalez, Adrian Martinez, Miguel Chavez, Ashdyn Ireland, Devin Nguyen, Joshua Hernandez, Logan Jones, Brayden Joseph, Kevin Velasquez, Robert Flikkema, Naveen Jayakumar, Brandon Lynn, Hagan Mosley, Lorenzo San Diego, Naeylin Anya, Jahir Basa, Jazmyn Chambers, Landon Chau, James Flikkema, Jules Fuller, Emily Garcia, Genae Johnson, Kaine Mendoza, Josue Nunez, Lesley Sanchez, Sophia Woods.
Many members also won the Silver Medals: Julissa Rodriguez, Daniella Watts, Thomas Bui, Mackenzie Okungu, Mason Babin, Cathlyn Le, Gabriel Rojas, Kailee Ross, Logan Tyler, Manuel Vinet, Aaliyah Woods and Nathan Santiago. David Vasquez, Emiliano Gonzalez and Alexis Morales also had successful performances earning Bronze medals.
Percussion also had a great year taking first place at the Cy Falls Competition and the Pasadena Memorial Competition.
While the awards for their abilities and commitment to perfect their skills are great what bands members enjoy just as much is the unity.
“The best part of band is the people around you, being there with your friends,” Senior Alina Moreno said.” Playing music brings peace.”
Members join for many reasons to try something new, to further develop their talent, to continue a tradition but what makes them successful is being self-motivated.
“ It ran in the family for awhile and I really just want to sound the best when I am playing,” senior Carlos Rivera said.