Thursday, March 28, the Dawson Wind Ensemble traveled to Frisco to compete at the annual Region 24 UIL Concert and Sightreading competition held at Wakeland High School.

Directors say the band performed at a very high level and received the coveted Sweepstakes award, receiving straight ones (Superior rating) from all six judges. The band performed the school’s most difficult program to date, including “Prestissimo March” by Karl King, “Blue and Green Music” by Samuel Hazo and “Elements, Petite Symphony” by Brian Balmages.

All three judges were impressed with the musical abilities and technique of the students.

“Percussion is really doing a SUPER JOB!!! Good work!” read one judge’s notes.

Another judge’s comment read, “Great demonstration of musical understanding, ensemble sound and ensemble awareness!”

After their stage performance, the band headed into the band hall to prepare for the sightread. This year’s piece received a lot of talk as it is very unusual and has a lot of “traps”. Again, the judges were impressed as their comments were recorded.

“Nice job of reading critical notes. Great rhythm and pulse. Awesome directors and students.”

Following the completion of all competing schools’ results, Dawson and four other schools in the competing region received straight ones for both their non-varsity and varsity bands.

DMS Band Director David Stone said,  “That is an incredible accomplishment, as this is one of the top three or four regions in the state.”

Stone added that he,  Mr. Guerrero and Ms. Bailey “are so very proud of all the band students at DMS.  They have spent countless hours practicing, coming in early for sectionals and staying after-school for playoffs.”