The Cain Middle School Symphonic and Honors Bands recently won double sweepstakes at the Region 25 UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest.
“We are absolutely thrilled with the results,” said Trevor Ousey, director of bands at Cain MS. “The kids have worked incredibly hard this year and have earned every Superior rating this week.”
In Class CCC Non-Varsity, under the direction of Ellen Chmura, the Symphonic Band received straight Division 1 ratings from all three judges during the stage portion and all three judges in the sight-reading room resulting in a Sweepstakes award.
This is the first Sweepstakes award for the Symphonic Band since 2010 and the first time the band has received all Division 1 ratings since 2006.
“It has been a journey,” said Ellen Chmura, assistant director at Cain MS. “These students have pushed themselves and each other to reach this level of excellence.”
In Class CCC Varsity, under the direction of Trevor Ousey, the Honors Band received straight Division 1 ratings from all three judges during the stage portion and all three judges in the sight-reading room resulting in another Sweepstakes award.
This is the first Sweepstakes award for the Honors Band since 2016 and the first Sweepstakes Award under Mr. Ousey’s leadership.
Overall, this is the first time in 14 years that both Symphonic and Honors bands at Cain Middle School have earned these high marks at UIL Contest.
“We had a lot of tremendous clinicians and mentors along the way,” added Ousey. “I want to personally thank Marty Nelson, Rob Chilton, and David Puckett, all current and former band directors in our area, who continue to work with me and the students in our pursuit of excellence.”
