 The new school year has begun in an exceptional way for the band. The Friendswood High School Wind Ensemble has won the 2010 Texas Music Educators Association AAAA Honor Band Contest. This is the second success for the FHS Band to win the State Championship having last won it in 2006.
Friendswood joins the elite ranks of only six Texas High School Bands to have won the AAAA Honor two or more times since the contest began in 1960. The other schools were Weslaco, Westlake, Monahans, Georgetown, and Dickinson.
The concept of the Honor Band originated during the term of Joe Frank, Sr., who served as Band Division Chair of the Texas Music Educators Association from 1958 to 1960. The purpose was twofold. Many educators believed that through the process of hearing and observing the results of quality teaching, directors could develop their own instructional skills to a higher level. In addition, selection of an honor band in each classification recognized communities and school systems that successfully supported music in education through their instrumental music programs.
Through the years, participation has been active and the recognition of exemplary programs through the honor band selection process has become a most sought after goal by many directors. As a result, the quality of honor groups has remained high and the original purpose of growth and development through observation of superior teaching and performance has been addressed annually and maintains its validity. Teachers throughout the state have definitely had the opportunity to learn from master teachers by attending honor band performances and clinics.
Last spring, each band that entered created a CD of three band selections; a traditional march and two contest selections. The contest begins at the Region level with five judges who hear the regions bands and certifies two bands to Area. At the Area level, two bands are certified to State by a different panel of five judges for a total of 14 bands from across Texas that will compete for the title.
The State level is held in San Antonio in conjunction with the Texas Band Masters Association Convention in late July. Again the CD’s are listened to by a distinguished panel of five judges and ranked 1-14. The Friendswood Wind Ensemble received four first place votes and one second in winning the State Title. Because of this Honor, the FHS Wind Ensemble will perform in February at the 2010 Texas Music Educators Association Convention in San Antonio.
TMEA is the largest Music Education convention the country with over 15, 000 in attendance.
Gregory Dick is the conductor of the FHS Wind Ensemble and with this achievement, Dick is the first four-time Honor Band winner in the history of the Texas Honor Band contest that began in 1960. Assisting the FHS Band are Aaron Brown and Julio Sanchez. Friendswood JH Band is directed by Robert Munoz, Sarah Bennett and Mark Urbina.
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