Band director Steven Schmitz said he was extremely proud when the Wind Ensemble received a superior ranking for its region contest performance for the third year in a row.

According to Schmitz, the Wind Ensemble performed in the Region 6AA large group contest at Edina High School April 23.

“Bands have to perform at least one piece of music from a state contest-approved list for judges. There is usually three judges, and they give points in different categories and assign a rank to each band,” Schmit said.

Senior Tommy Guddal said the Wind Ensemble played “All the Pretty Little Horses” and “Drums of the Saamis” for the judges.

“There was a good range of songs. One of the songs was a lot more slow and lyrical. The other song was much more upbeat,” Guddal said. “The wide ranged shows how dynamic we are as a band.”

According to Schmitz, the judges were impressed with the band’s ability to play with emotion.

“The judge that spoke with us said that many bands are afraid to play slow and expressive music because they are afraid they won’t make the audience feel anything,” Schmitz said. “(The judge) said he felt something in every measure we played, and that is high praise.”

“I think the songs went really well. We got a score of “Superior,” which is the highest score you can get. This is also our third “superior” in a row and that really shows the positive trend that band program is going.”

Sophomore Ava Tronson said she enjoys the band contests because they allow the band to receive a different perspective on their performances.

“It’s fun to go to different high schools and hear other bands play. The contests really help with upcoming competitions because we get (feedback) that’s not just from Mr. Schmitz,” Tronson said. ‘It’s nice to hear from professional (judges).”

Schmitz said he is preparing for the spring concert before he leaves to teach music in Cape Town, South Africa from May 13 to June 6.  

“I’m just condensing the whole end of the year into the time I have left here. We are preparing for the spring concert on May 7 and 8,” Schmitz said. “We are also having a band banquet to celebrate the achievements of the year and the seniors on the 11th.”

The spring concert for Band 9 and Jazz band will take place 7 p.m. May 7 in the Auditorium. The Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble concert and senior awards will take place 7 p.m. May 8 in the auditorium.