By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–The Union City band programs continue to rank with the elite.
Both the high school and middle school bands received the highest marks at the recently held regional concert festival at UT Martin.
The UCMS band – under the direction of Joe Davis – earned superior marks for prepared and sightreading performance at the West Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association Concert Festival last week at UTM.
The middle school group, which had 80 students participate last week, has completed the first leg of the Tennessee Bandmaster Association Sweepstakes Awards by receiving a superior rating.
The band will have the opportunity to complete the requirements for the Sweepstakes Awards next week.
Middle school bands must have superior ratings at the concert festival and have 50 percent of their band compete at the Solo and Ensemble Festival. Additionally, that 50 percent must receive at least a 50 percent rating.
With veteran band director Jason Deem at the helm, the UC High School band received all superior marks for prepared and sightreading performance as well.
By receiving superior ratings, the UCHS Band has completed all requirements for the Tennessee Bandmaster Association Sweepstakes Award that is given for bands that score Superior Ratings for marching band and concert band.
To be in line for the Sweepstakes Award, high school bands must receive superior ratings in marching band during the fall and superior ratings in prepared music/sightreading at the concert festival.
“This is a great honor and is a testament to the hard work by students — not only in marching band but concert band as well,” Deem said. “As the director, I believe that this award is one of the highest honors bands can receive due to the requirements of superior ratings in marching and concert band.
“The awards show the UCHS Band is superior in every facet of instrumental music.”
The Sweepstakes Award will be given to the directors at the annual Tennessee Music Educator Association All State Conference, slated for at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, April 27-30.
Illustration by Tony Reed/Forever Communications.