Lauren Estes

Hartselle Enquirer

For the 13th consecutive year, Hartselle High School Symphonic Band has scored Superior Ratings for stage performance and sight-reading.

Over thirty bands from across north Alabama participated in this statewide assessment.

The annual State Music Performance Assessment was held last week at Austin High School.

Hartselle Band Director Randall Key said he was also so impressed with the community involvement involved with the competition.

“I am especially pleased with the attendance from our parents and supporters at the event,” Key said. “We had over sixty parents come Austin to hear our students performance. Mr. Hyche was in attendance, which was wonderful since very few administrators from other districts attended.”

Hartselle High School wasn’t the only group that shined during the performances at Austin High School.

“Our junior high school did an outstanding job as well,” Key said. “They received a 1,2,2 on stage and received a two in sight reading.  I listened to the students sight read and am still perplexed by their rating.  I thought they read a superior and questioned the reckoning of that rating. While it is difficult to achieve a superior with Junior high bands, I could not be more pleased with their performance.  They raised their scores from last year from a 3,3,2 to a 1,2,2. Mr. Vaughn did an excellent job preparing the students and the band has made vast improvements from last year.”