The Coppell High School Band closed the 2015-2016 school year with multiple honors achieved during the University Interscholastic League (UIL) competitions. In October of 2015, Coppell competed in the UIL Marching Contest and achieved a Division I “Superior” rating, which is the highest possible score. In April 2016, Coppell competed in the UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest. All of Coppell’s varsity and non-varsity bands, including Concert/Symphonic, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds and Honor Band, achieved Division I “Superior” ratings in both the Concert and Sight Reading segments. As a result of superior achievements in Marching, Concert and Sight Reading, and for the 24th consecutive year, the Coppell High School Band also earned the 2016 UIL Sweepstakes Award.

The Marching, Concert and Sight Reading Contests make up the three components of the UIL Sweepstakes. During the fall Marching Contest, bands are judged on tone, ensemble musicianship, marching execution and drill. For the Concert component, bands perform three selections on stage and are judged on tone, technique and musicianship. For the third and final segment, Sight Reading, bands prepare and perform a completely unfamiliar piece of music within a specified number of minutes; they are judged on tone, technique and musicianship as well. Bands that receive Division I Ratings on all three components are rewarded with the UIL Sweepstakes Award.  “The UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest is a culmination of the efforts put forth throughout the year,” said Brandon Slovak, Assistant Director of the Coppell High School Band. “Some like to think of it as the STAAR test for the music programs.”

Over Memorial Day weekend, 177 Coppell band members participated in the UIL State Solo and Ensemble Contest in Austin. To qualify, students had to receive Division I ratings during the UIL Regional Solo and Ensemble Contest held in February 2016, where they performed a selection from a prescribed music list by memory.

At the State Solo Contest in Austin, 50 Coppell students received Gold medals for Division I ratings, and 66 Coppell students received Silver medals for Division II ratings. Additionally, 6 Coppell students were named Outstanding Soloists, which is the highest musical honor a musician can receive in the state. They are:  Annabelle Kim - Flute, Sam Wang - Bb Clarinet, Michael Cho - Bb Clarinet, Christopher Stubblefield - Trumpet, Grant Knippa - Trumpet, and Eliana Yamouni - Keyboard Percussion.

“The results from all of the UIL contests are a testament to the dedication of the students, parents, directors, and excellent instruction by our private lesson staff, as well as the support they receive by our administration,” said Slovak. “We are incredibly proud of our students and what they have accomplished.”

Upcoming performances for the Coppell High School Band include Coppell’s July 4th parade and the band’s annual Welcome Back Concert in August. For more information on the award-winning Coppell High School Band and Color Guard, go to the band website at www.chsbandboosters.com.