WJH Students Make All-Region Band
Six Waller Junior High (WJH) students showcased their #WISDgreatness when they earned spots in the All-Region Band. To earn their positions, they competed against approximately 1,000 students from Brenham, Cy-Fair, and Spring Branch ISDs. Only the top players of each instrument earn a place in the All-Region Band. At the junior high level, this is the highest level of musicianship achievement. The WJH Band is led by Director Sandra Smith and Assistant Director Aaron Torres.
“It is hard to explain how proud I am of the students' hard work and success,” Smith said. “They committed to trying out and followed through. We made a preparation plan and they stuck to it.”
Congratulations to the WJH All-Region Band Members:
- Cameron Carlyle, euphonium
- Alexandra Correa, euphonium
- Guadalupe Hernandez, trumpet
- Ismael Loredo, clarinet
- Jairo Montoya, tuba
- Jack Sitton, trumpet
Auditions for All-Region Band were open to all Wind Ensemble members. Students who committed to the auditioning attended after-school lessons to prepare assigned music and scales. Auditions are held in two phases: phase one is student tryouts and in phase two students are assigned to their band and chair placement. The All-Region Band Concert was held Dec. 3 at Cy-Woods High School.
“It is very scary playing by yourself in front of others. Part of the audition is preparation, but the other part is being able to control your nerves and perform under pressure,” Smith said. “It is a great life skill that will help them in future band competitions as well as other areas outside of band.”