Press release
For the ninth year in a row, the Athens High School Pride of the Hornets Band has earned the coveted “Sweepstakes” award at UIL competition. The varsity band, under the direction of Rusty Lay, was awarded first-division ratings in both concert and sight-reading competitions last week. Back in October, the band earned first-division ratings for marching — meaning Athens’ varsity band swept all three district 4A UIL competitions with the highest rating.
“You didn’t just go to contest,” said one judge. “You made music!”
In addition, the AHS non-varsity band, under the direction of Stephen Morman, assisted by Gehrig Blankenship and Kimberly Beard, was awarded first-division ratings in sight-reading competition. The band performed “Colombian March” by Karl King, “Knights of Dunvegan” by Richard Meyer, and “Cumberland Cross” by Carl Strommen.
For their competition, the varsity band performed “Emblem of Unity March” by J.J. Richards, “Symphonic Suite” by Clifton Williams, and “Concord” by Clare Grumman.