Numerous Ricardo Middle School musicians recently competed at the Association of Texas Small School Bands All-Region Tryouts held at West Oso High School on December 12. Twenty band students tried out and fourteen earned a chair in one of two All-Region bands. Six students placed in the symphonic ensemble and eight placed in the concert band.

Yellowjacket virtuosos earning a chair in the Symphonic Band were Jace Lutenbacher (first chair, Tenor Trombone), Ryan Perez-Estrada (first chair, Baritone Saxophone), Tanisha Sanabria (seventh chair, B-flat Clarinet), Daniel Salinas (third chair, Alto Saxophone), Hunter Meyer (fourth chair, Percussion) and Cecilia Munoz (second chair, Oboe).

Earning a chair in the Concert Band were Leilani Adrian (third chair, B-flat Trumpet), Armando Gonzalez (first chair, Tenor Saxophone), Rosalia Guevarra (first chair, Bass Clarinet), Fayth Kumro (third chair, Baritone), Sirina Martinez (sixth chair, B-flat Clarinet), Haley Meyer (first chair, B-flat Clarinet), Rigoberto Morales (first chair, Baritone) and

Sara Soto (fourth chair, Alto Saxophone).

Head Band Director Jesse Rios was pleased with his group’s all-region auditions.

“The kids did very well, we had a good showing,” Rios said. “Some of them were a little bit nervous, of course, as most of them were there for the first time. Some of them kind of did not want to go but they still went and actually made it so now they are really looking forward to next year, even the ones who did not make it.” Ricardo’s all-region qualifiers have consistently increased in number in the three-plus years Rios has led the program.

“My first year we had one out of three kids make all-region, the second year we took eight kids and four made it and last year we took twelve to tryout and eight made it,” Rios said. “I was hoping we would have sixteen make it this year so we would be up to par with the other schools but our program is building up and hopefully we will perform well in our upcoming U.I.L. concert and sight reading contest. The kids are very motivated, they’re letting me push them hard and responding very well.”

Ricardo’s all-region musicians will participate in a two day clinic and concert February 5-6 at West Oso High School.