Band students compete in TMEA region band auditions

This weekend, the Screaming Eagle band participated in the annual TMEA region band auditions/competitions.

“The district auditions are the first stage of the all state band audition process,” director Shawn Athey said.

In this event, students auditioned alongside other students from around the state. The best performers earned a spot on the TMEA all region band.

“Our region is set up into two districts, the Corpus Christi district and the Laredo district,” Athey said. “During the audition process every instrument room auditions anywhere from 20 to 60 students and cuts it down to a certain number of students to advance to the region level. Then students from that audition process will advance to the area level in January where they have a chance to make the all state band.

To prepare for this event, students were given 4 pieces of music to learn and memorize throughout the school year. The pieces, while challenging can be played at any speed, and in whatever style the student wishes.

“They were given music at the end of July when the music was published,” Athey said. “They practiced every week on learning the etudes that were required for the audition process. It’s very challenging college level literature, and it requires a very methodical approach over a long period of time to prepare at an appropriate level.

The students first had to compete in the TMEA district band auditions. The people who advanced will perform in the district auditions this Saturday. The people who advance from there will have earned a spot on the TMEA region band.

“As far as the district auditions, we had about 19 students that advanced to the region level,” Athey said. “We took 30 students, and 19 moved on to the district auditions for an opportunity to make the all region band and have a performance in Victoria, and also earn an opportunity to audition again for area in January.”

The district auditions were held at Vets last Saturday, and results of the auditions are available on the TMEA website.