OJH Band Wins Sweepstakes in Wichita Falls

Members of the Olney Junior High School Band received a Sweepstakes Award for their performance at UIL Region 7 Concert and Sightreading Evaluation. Legacy High School hosted the event on March 27.

Students performed three selections for the concert portion of the evalution. Music included “Guardians of Liberty” (march) by Paul Murtha, “Anthem of an Era” by Tyler S. Grant, and “Armory” by Randall Standridge.

Judges included Ms. Nicole Baxter, Director of Bands and Fine Arts Director of Lubbock Cooper High School, Mr. Eric Rath, Director of Bands at Canyon High School, and Mr. Robbie Edwards (retired) of Fort Worth.

Ratings for the concert program were 1, 2, 1 which is a first-division rating.

OJHS Band members also participated in the sight reading portion of the evaluation. Music was given to them, instructions were given by Mrs. Marilyn Bennett, Director, and students performed the work for judges.

Mr. Jim Alexander (retired) of Alvarado, Mr. Joe Walker, Director of Bands for Godley ISD, and Mr. Doug Fulwood, Director of Fine Arts for Royce City served as adjudicators. Mrs. Sheryl Kingcade (retired) from Iowa Park served as the compliance officer.

Ratings for the sight reading performance were straight ones.

Band students earned a Class C sweepstakes trophy for their performances.

Mrs. Marilyn Bennett conducted the group and was accompanied by Director of Bands for Olney ISD Dr. Rodney Bennett. Mr. Ed Berngen, Principal of Olney Junior High School was also in attendance.

This is the fourth Sweepstakes Award for OJHS Bands. The first award was received in 2021 by the OJHS Non-Varsity Band (7th Grade). In 2022, both the varsity and non-varsity groups received sweepstakes.