Lobo Band Takes Sweepstakes

Posted Date: 04/19/2021

LHS Band students fared well at the UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest by earning straight ones in both contests. On Tuesday, April 13, The Levelland Lobo Band traveled to Denver City to perform its UIL program as a part of the UIL Concert and Sightreading Evaluation. Band members performed a program of music entirely written by American composers. The program included "The Gladiator March" by John Philip Sousa, "Shepherd's Hey" by Percy Grainger, and "Imaginarium" by Randall Standridge. The band earned Division One ratings from all three judges for their concert performance. Following their concert, The Lobo Band's sightreading performance was "Tango de Pueblo Pequeno" by Dena Drumm. The judges in the second performance also awarded The Lobo Band Division One ratings. When coupled with the First Division the band earned in the Fall for their UIL Marching performance, The Lobo Band was awarded the coveted Sweepstakes Award which is reserved for only those bands who earn first division ratings in all three UIL Band events. When asked about the performance, Director of Bands, Will Burks, said that with the number of obstacles to success in the 2020-2021 school year, it is a remarkable achievement to perform at UIL events at all. The Lobo Band has overcome so much and was rightfully awarded the Sweepstakes Trophy. The performance was thrilling to conduct, but the real thrill came as the students left the stage smiling because they knew their performance was truly outstanding. Lobo Band mom Christy Barnett writes, "These kids were separated into four class periods this year due to covid. They only got to work together as a group for about 30 minutes a day - before school from 7:30-8:00. Their work ethic and commitment are admirable."The Lobo Band's Spring Concert will be held in the Levelland High School Gymnasium on May 20 at 7:00 pm. Admission is free for this event and all Lobo Band supporters are invited to attend this concert which will feature Levelland Middle School bands alongside The Lobo Band. Congratulations on your hard work. It paid off!