La Grange ISD Concert Bands Earn Top Honors at UIL Evaluations

All four La Grange ISD concert bands earned the prestigious UIL Sweepstakes Award this spring, marking a standout year for the district’s music program. Each ensemble received unanimous Division 1 – Superior ratings from all six judges in both the concert and sight reading portions of their evaluations, held at the Jerry Fay Wilhelm PAC in Bastrop.

This marks the first time since 2022 that all four UILparticipating bands from LGISD have earned Sweepstakes Awards in the same year.

The La Grange Middle School bands performed on March 4 and 5. The LMS Concert Band (Non-Varsity) impressed judges with a dynamic program featuring “Andalucia” by Victor Lopez, “Groovee” by Richard Saucedo, and “Armory” by Randall Standridge. The LMS Symphonic Band (Varsity) followed with an equally compelling set: “Infinity March” by James Curnow, “Legend of Knife River” by Stephen Bulla, and “Brave Spirit” by Randall Standridge.

The La Grange High School bands took the stage on April 2 and 3. The LHS Symphonic Winds performed “Crown of Castille” by Johnnie Vinson, “Colliding Visions” by Brian Balmages, and “Two British Folksongs” by Elliot Del Borgo. The LHS Wind Ensemble capped off the evaluations with a powerful performance of “March of the Trolls” by Edvard Grieg (arr. Brian Beck), two movements from “Lincolnshire Posy” by Percy Grainger, and “Undertow” by John Mackey.

“All four bands sounded impressive, and all four played music that was above the UIL requirements,” said Chris Cooper, Director of Bands.

“We are extremely proud of the musical growth of our students.”

The community is invited to enjoy more of this exceptional musical talent at the upcoming LGISD Spring Concert Series:

• LGISD Night of Percussion – Friday, May 9, 6 p.m., LHS Gym

• LES Beginner Band Spring Concert – Tuesday, May 13, 6 p.m., LGISD PAC

• LMS Bands Spring Concert – Tuesday, May 13, 7 p.m., LGISD PAC

• LHS Spring Concert – Thursday, May 15, 6 p.m., Festival Hill Institute, Round Top “Join us in celebrating these remarkable student musicians and their outstanding achievements,” said Cooper.