Hemet High School and Tahquitz High School’s symphonic bands competed in the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association’s Band and Orchestra District Festival. Both bands received superior ratings, the highest rating you can receive, at the district-level competition where 17 bands competed.
Hemet High’s band received Unanimous Superior ratings during the competition, which means they received Superior ratings from all three judges and the sight reading judge. The band played First Suite in Eb by Gustav Holst and El Capitan by John Philip Sousa. This is the second festival Hemet High has participated in this year. The first competition was in January where they also received unanimous Superior ratings.
“I’m very proud of the work these young people have put towards this performance. They played from the heart and really stepped up to have a great performance,” said Hemet High’s Band Director Dan Boulton.
This was the first festival of the season for the Tahquitz’s symphonic band. The band played American Elegy by Frank Ticheli and American Folk Rhapsody No. 1 by Clare Grudman. Tahquitz’s Band Director said, “The students in the Symphonic Band have been working diligently on their music for this festival. Every day they come into class hungry to improve their musical concepts, ideas, and nuances. They definitely earned their rating.”
Congratulations to the Hemet High and Tahquitz Symphonic Bands on receiving Superior Ratings. We know the season is just beginning, but you are already off to a wonderful start!