The UIL solo and ensemble competition is coming up soon for students in the Anna band. The UIL solo and ensemble competition is something that the band students do to help improve their music skills. All of the band students work on a solo and an ensemble, so that they can get a rating from a judge. The best rating that you can get is a one. The second best is a two, and the third best that you can get is a three. There are also different types of solos. There is a class one, class two, and a class three. Class 1 is the hardest, class 2 is the second hardest, and a class 3 is the easiest of them.

            If you get a one on a class one solo and you played it memorized, then you get to go to state. At the state competition, you have to perform in front of another judge. It is more difficult to get a one at state than it is to get a one at your first performance. There are students that make it to state every year, and there are some that have never gone.

            Jonathan Turner has been to state since his freshman year. He is now a senior, and he has always gotten a one at state. “I always enjoy UIL solo and ensemble, and I’m ready for this year,” said Turner.

            Band students work hard to improve their skills every year. “I always encourage students to cooperate in UIL solo and ensemble, because I believe that it makes them better musicians,” said band director Chris Burk.