We are thrilled to share the achievements of our Button Band at the recent 2024 TAPPS Solo and Ensemble competition held at St. Mary's University. The passion and dedication of our students shone brightly, and we are proud of their remarkable accomplishments. Here are the results:
- 11 Division I's (SUPERIOR)
- 4 Division II's (EXCELLENT)
- 1 Division III (GOOD)
Each of our talented students performed a UIL solo and was adjudicated by official judges. Additionally, they had the opportunity to showcase their skills as part of duets, trios, and quartets.
One of the standout moments of the competition was the saxophone quartet, featuring Benicio Martinez ('24), Nicholas Freedman ('24), Christian Garcia ('26), and Ethan Garza ('26). Together, they flawlessly played a challenging piece that required precise tempo control, balance, and blend without a conductor, in the Chamber Style. It was truly a performance to remember.
We would also like to acknowledge Christian Garcia for his exceptional talent as a student piano accompanist. Normally, this role is fulfilled by experienced adult accompanists, but Christian took on the challenge and mastered a complex piano score to accompany his bandmate, Benicio, during his saxophone solo. Their collaboration was a true testament to their dedication and teamwork. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Christian for his invaluable contribution to the performance.
Our students proudly wore their well-deserved medals throughout the school day, representing Central's fine arts program.
In Guitar class, our students have been diligently working on their solos throughout the month of February. Under Mr. Gutierrez's guidance, they have been individually studying classical pieces from various sources. Students have been receiving modeling instruction and practicing their pieces during the last 20 minutes of each class. We are excited to showcase one of the class highlights featuring Senior Owen Boyle, who confidently demonstrated a segment of AC/DC's Thunderstruck. Owen's effort and optimism have been commendable, and we applaud his dedication to continued practice and improvement.
In Music Appreciation, our students are currently studying Major and Minor scales and their significance in music. They have been learning formulas of whole-steps and half-steps to identify tones and construct scales on the music staff. Through hands-on learning, students have also had the opportunity to play scales together as a class ensemble. This immersive approach allows them to understand the purpose of scales and unlock new avenues for growth in their theoretical and performance-based endeavors.
We celebrate our student's accomplishments and are inspired by their commitment to excellence. More exciting musical experiences lie ahead, and we look forward to witnessing the incredible talent that continues to emerge from our Central community.