RAY BAND NEWS
This page is where we celebrate musical achievements for the band as a whole, and for Ray Band student musicians as individuals. The most recent events are listed at the top; scroll down to see a record of Ray Band excellence as far back as 2011.
Please use the contact form to suggest we cover anything we may have missed-
there is always so much happening, it can be hard to keep up!
This page is where we celebrate musical achievements for the band as a whole, and for Ray Band student musicians as individuals. The most recent events are listed at the top; scroll down to see a record of Ray Band excellence as far back as 2011.
Please use the contact form to suggest we cover anything we may have missed-
there is always so much happening, it can be hard to keep up!
News:
If you have an Amazon account, you can help the band. Go to SMILE.AMAZON.COM and select the band as the charity you'd like to support. Search for W B Ray High School Band. It's as simple as that. When you shop at Smile.Amazon, a small portion for your purchase price goes to the band. If we get enough people involved, it will really help the band, and costs nothing. Spread the word. Thank you!
If you have an Amazon account, you can help the band. Go to SMILE.AMAZON.COM and select the band as the charity you'd like to support. Search for W B Ray High School Band. It's as simple as that. When you shop at Smile.Amazon, a small portion for your purchase price goes to the band. If we get enough people involved, it will really help the band, and costs nothing. Spread the word. Thank you!
Ray Band 2016-2017
School Year
2
0
1
7
S
E
N
I
O
R
S
Ray Band 2013- 2014
School Year
Congratulations and many thanks to the Ray Band Senior Class of 2014!
Staying in high school band for 4 years takes real dedication, and these talented musicians and color guard members have done SO much for our band!
Thanks also to the parents of these students who have worked hard to help Ray Band Boosters a successful organization, and had a lot of fun along the way.
You will all be missed; please stay in touch!
Staying in high school band for 4 years takes real dedication, and these talented musicians and color guard members have done SO much for our band!
Thanks also to the parents of these students who have worked hard to help Ray Band Boosters a successful organization, and had a lot of fun along the way.
You will all be missed; please stay in touch!
Ray Band Senior Luke Camarillo was awarded the 2014 Kyle Semmelrogge Award, the top spot in the Texan Hall of Fame. Being selected for the Texan Hall of Fame is an honor based on stellar academic performance and community service, among other considerations. We are so proud and happy to see this award go to one of Ray Band's own- congratulations, Luke! Luke is pictured below with his proud mom, Ray Band Boosters outgoing 2nd Vice President, Norma Camarillo.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2014 Ray Band Boosters Scholarships!
We are proud and happy to award these scholarships, sponsored by Ray Band Boosters, to two very deserving Ray Band Seniors! We wish we could have had an award for every member of the Ray Band Class of 2014. We have so many talented and dedicated Seniors that it was difficult for our Band Directors to select the winners. Our scholarships are named in memory of Nicole Martinez and Kimberley Encinia, two Ray Band graduates who are dearly missed.
Good luck to Celestina Gonzales at Del Mar College, and to Andres "Luke" Camarillo at Baylor University. We know that both will do great things in the future, and hope that they, and all of the members of Ray Band's Class of 2014 will keep in touch.
Congratulations, Celestina and Luke, and thank you for your exemplary work for the Ray Texan Band!
We are proud and happy to award these scholarships, sponsored by Ray Band Boosters, to two very deserving Ray Band Seniors! We wish we could have had an award for every member of the Ray Band Class of 2014. We have so many talented and dedicated Seniors that it was difficult for our Band Directors to select the winners. Our scholarships are named in memory of Nicole Martinez and Kimberley Encinia, two Ray Band graduates who are dearly missed.
Good luck to Celestina Gonzales at Del Mar College, and to Andres "Luke" Camarillo at Baylor University. We know that both will do great things in the future, and hope that they, and all of the members of Ray Band's Class of 2014 will keep in touch.
Congratulations, Celestina and Luke, and thank you for your exemplary work for the Ray Texan Band!
W.B. RAY PERMANENT HONOR ROLL
At the W.B. Ray Permanent Honor Roll Banquet on May 27th, 2014, the following Ray Band Seniors were honored. Ray Band students are all around amazing- talented, dedicated, AND academic!
Let us know if we missed anyone!
Luke Camarillo
Frankie Cortez
Kristy Darrow
Felicia DeMartino
Joshua Ferrell
Kimberley Garcia
Samantha Garcia
Celestina Gonzales
Kyle James
Sam Katz
Tristan Lopez
John David Nesmith
Cecilia Perez
Darrien Spicak
Megan Tamez
Aaron Vera
Simon Vera
Jessie Ybarra
TSSEC RESULTS
On Memorial Day Monday, May 26th, 2014, 39 Ray Band students reported to the Band Hall at the crack of dawn, and didn't return until after 11:00 PM. These talented and dedicated students competed at the Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest (TSSEC) held at the University of Texas- Austin. Our thanks to all 39 Band students who competed at the State level, and congratulations to the following students, who between them earned ten medals. We are so proud of our amazing Ray Band musicians.
Thanks once again to all three of our Band Directors for helping to prepare them for competition, and spending that long day with them.
TSSEC Gold Medals:
Trumpet Quartet
Maisie Boehmer
Frankie Cortez
Jose Garcia
Simon Vera
Keyboard Percussion Solo
Tristan Falcon
TSSEC Silver Medals:
Clarinet Solo
Luke Camarillo
Alto Saxophone Solo
Nathan Flores
Rachel Kim
Trumpet Solo
Lorenzo Nesta
Keyboard Percussion Solo
Darrien Spicak
On Memorial Day Monday, May 26th, 2014, 39 Ray Band students reported to the Band Hall at the crack of dawn, and didn't return until after 11:00 PM. These talented and dedicated students competed at the Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest (TSSEC) held at the University of Texas- Austin. Our thanks to all 39 Band students who competed at the State level, and congratulations to the following students, who between them earned ten medals. We are so proud of our amazing Ray Band musicians.
Thanks once again to all three of our Band Directors for helping to prepare them for competition, and spending that long day with them.
TSSEC Gold Medals:
Trumpet Quartet
Maisie Boehmer
Frankie Cortez
Jose Garcia
Simon Vera
Keyboard Percussion Solo
Tristan Falcon
TSSEC Silver Medals:
Clarinet Solo
Luke Camarillo
Alto Saxophone Solo
Nathan Flores
Rachel Kim
Trumpet Solo
Lorenzo Nesta
Keyboard Percussion Solo
Darrien Spicak
TMEA
ALL-STATE MUSICIAN
Ray Band Senior Simon Vera is CCISD's only student musician to earn a place in the
2014 Texas Music Educators Association's All-State Band!
This is a gigantic achievement, and we are proud to call him one of our own.
Congratulations to Simon and his family!
CONCERT AND SIGHT-READING
On April 16th, 2014, Ray Concert Band and Ray Symphonic Band competed at the Region XIV 4A UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest at Gregory Portland High School. Concert Band went to this contest for the first time in several years, and earned a rating of "Excellent" in both events! The Symphonic Band earned a "Superior" rating for their Concert performance and a rating of "Excellent" in Sight-Reading. Thanks so much to all of our Ray Band musicians for their talent and hard work, and to Head Band Director Mr. Nixon Williams, Assistant Band Director Mr. Gino Hernandez, and Assistant Band Director Mrs. Nancy Hesch for their skillful and tireless work with our band students!
Here are YouTube links to these great Concert performances, thanks to Boosters 1st Vice President, Erick Sifuentes:
Ray 2013-2014 Concert Band, under the direction of Assistant Band Director, Mr. Gino Hernandez:
Ispana Cani - http://youtu.be/HRDyKmn9tLw
As Twilight Falls - http://youtu.be/NYn-o6CY29Y
Serengeti Dreams - http://youtu.be/JptZHkOkGVk
Ray 2013-2014 Symphonic Band, under the direction of Head Band Director, Mr. Nixon Williams:
Marche Des Parachutistes Belges -http://youtu.be/iXHDEWB3cFQ
Sheltering Sky - http://youtu.be/-D2QeLkU7Cg
Puszta - http://youtu.be/htiKAqbxzGo
This year, Ray Band musicians auditioned in record numbers for UIL Solo and Ensemble, and record numbers of them made high ratings. Everyone who attended the recital in the Band Hall on May 21st had an opportunity to see great performances from these amazing Ray musicians. Thanks so much to Assistant Band Director Mrs. Nancy Hesch for organizing this wonderful event!
W. B. Ray Band students participated in the
UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest
in Kingsville on February 22nd, 2014.
In all, Ray Band students earned a total of 53 medals.
40 students (marked with an asterisk *)
will be advancing to compete at the State contest in May,
some as soloists and members of ensembles!
Thank you to
Head Band Director Mr. Nixon Williams
Assistant Band Director Mr. Gino Hernandez
Assistant Band Director Mrs. Nancy Hesch
for helping to prepare our students for contest.
............................................Congratulations to:..................................................
W. B. Ray Band students participated in the
UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest
in Kingsville on February 22nd, 2014.
In all, Ray Band students earned a total of 53 medals.
40 students (marked with an asterisk *)
will be advancing to compete at the State contest in May,
some as soloists and members of ensembles!
Thank you to
Head Band Director Mr. Nixon Williams
Assistant Band Director Mr. Gino Hernandez
Assistant Band Director Mrs. Nancy Hesch
for helping to prepare our students for contest.
............................................Congratulations to:..................................................
WOODWINDS
Flute Solo Division I Sophia Lee Sara Rodriguez Jennifer Ruiz Flute Solo Division II Zavion Garza Sarah Lichtenberger Abrianna Mauricio Flute Trio Division I Roxanne Flores* Abrianna Mauricio* Sarah Rodriguez* Clarinet Solo Division I Andres Camarillo* Clarinet Solo Division II Alan Chen Clarinet Choir Division I Alyssa Aguas* Andres Camarillo* Alan Chen* Kristy Darrow* Clarissa Garcia* Monica Garcia* Samantha Garcia* Celestina Gonzales* Sam Katz* Savannah Martinez* Tenor Saxophone Solo Division I Aaron Vera Nathaniel Flores* Alto Saxophone Solo Division I Reymundo Herrera* Rachel Kim* Enrique Bautista Alto Saxophone Solo Division II Jordan Moeller Alto Saxophone Trio I Division I Kyle James* Rachael Kim* Jordan Moeller* Woodwind Ensemble Division I Abraham Cepeda* Francisca Galicia* Celestina Gonzales* Cecilia Perez* |
BRASS
Trumpet Solo Division I Lorenzo Nesta * Trumpet Solo Division II Jose Garcia Trumpet Quartet Division I Maisie Boehmer* Frankie Cortez* Jose Garcia* Simon Vera* Trombone Trio Division I Francisco Diaz* Jeremy Pansano* Israel Escobedo* French Horn Solo Division II Sarita Damaraju Euphonium Solo Division II Rosa Leal Tuba Solo Division I John David Nesmith Alan Garduno Tuba Solo Division II Oscarey Bentancourt Miguel Marcelo Brass Sextet Division I Virginia Medrano* Francisco Diaz* Rosa Leal* Jeffrey Morales* Lorenzo Nesta* John David Nesmith* Miscellaneous Brass Trio Division II Frankie Cortez Jeremiah Salinas Maisie Boehmer |
PERCUSSION
Snare Drum Solo Division I James Hernandez* Keyboard Percussion Solo Division I Tristan Falcon* Joey Garcia* Darrien Spicak* Multi Percussion Solo Division I Aaron Dworaczyk * Percussion Ensemble Division I Tristan Falcon* Darrien Spicak* Sara Torres* |
*Students whose names are marked with an asterisk (*) will compete at the
UIL State Contest on May 26th, 2014.
............................................................................................................
UIL State Contest on May 26th, 2014.
............................................................................................................
Congratulations to Mr. Nixon Williams, Mr. Gino Hernandez and Mrs. Nancy Hesch, and the W. B. Ray Concert Band, W. B. Ray Jazz Ensemble, W.B. Ray Percussion Ensemble, and the W. B. Ray Symphonic Band for a wonderful Winter Concert last night! The accomplished playing of our talented and hardworking Ray Band students reflects brightly on the work our dedicated Band Directors have put in with students in the short time since marching season ended. Thank you all for a beautiful evening!
Thank you to all of the band parents who helped make the concert festive by providing refreshments, helping to serve them, bidding on our Silent Auction items, buying cotton candy to support our Ray Color Guard, and for being there to enjoy the concert. Thanks also to the band parents who made donations for the Love Line dedications in the concert program.
Thank you to Hospitality Chair Stephanie Betancourt for organizing refreshments and making announcements at the concert. Thanks also to Band mom Manuela Thompson for making all of the arrangements for our Silent Auction and to Band dad 1st Vice President Erick Sifuentes for documenting the concert with video. Links for the videos are below.
W. B. Ray Concert Band, Directed by Mr. Gino Hernandez and Mrs. Nancy Hesch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3O3sqNebSs
W. B. Ray Jazz Ensemble, Directed by Mr. Nixon Williams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73IoqLiT0S4
W.B. Ray Percussion Ensemble, Directed by Mr. Gino Hernandez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIiRBngbJtQ
W. B. Ray Symphonic Band, Directed by Mr. Nixon Williams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9T1AvcjNls
Thank you to all of the band parents who helped make the concert festive by providing refreshments, helping to serve them, bidding on our Silent Auction items, buying cotton candy to support our Ray Color Guard, and for being there to enjoy the concert. Thanks also to the band parents who made donations for the Love Line dedications in the concert program.
Thank you to Hospitality Chair Stephanie Betancourt for organizing refreshments and making announcements at the concert. Thanks also to Band mom Manuela Thompson for making all of the arrangements for our Silent Auction and to Band dad 1st Vice President Erick Sifuentes for documenting the concert with video. Links for the videos are below.
W. B. Ray Concert Band, Directed by Mr. Gino Hernandez and Mrs. Nancy Hesch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3O3sqNebSs
W. B. Ray Jazz Ensemble, Directed by Mr. Nixon Williams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73IoqLiT0S4
W.B. Ray Percussion Ensemble, Directed by Mr. Gino Hernandez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIiRBngbJtQ
W. B. Ray Symphonic Band, Directed by Mr. Nixon Williams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9T1AvcjNls
2013-2014 School Year So Far
Ray Band Boosters are so excited about the way the Fighting Texan Band has started out this school year. The 2013 Marching Season for Ray Band was a very busy one, beginning with Summer Band practices starting at the end of July. Head Band Director Nixon Williams and Assistant Band Director Gino Hernandez drilled the Band long and hard on the music and marching sets for this year’s field show, and Assistant Band Director Mrs. Nancy Hesch brought her Color Guard expertise to the Ray Color Guard. Mrs. Hesch even sewed all of the Color Guard’s costumes, with some help from parents! Important leadership also came from our dedicated Head Drum Major Celestina Gonzalez and Assistant Drum Major Cecilia Perez and our hard working section leaders. Stopping by the Band Hall during Band class or practice, you felt like you had stepped into a musical beehive: if the whole band was not studying the previous week's performance video from the game or practicing as a group, band sections and color guard were holding separate practices on their parts, while all three Band Directors were doing tutorials and proficiency testing with sections and individual players. It was really inspiring to see the energy and hard work, and it sure showed each week at halftime and at contests. All of that work paid off- the Band played and marched with beauty and precision, and the Color Guard added emphasis and visual flair to the show. All through marching season, Ray Band parents were there to help in innumerable ways. Ray Band’s 2013 field show, “enLIGHTenment”, with flute solo by Cecilia Perez and trumpet solo by Simon Vera, received a Division One rating at both the Tournament of Bands at Gregory-Portland HS and the Lakeshore Marching Festival at Mathis HS, and a rating of “Excellent” at the UIL Marching Contest at Calallen HS. Congratulations, Ray Texan Band, we are so proud of you!
Congratulations to Ray Band Senior Luke Camarillo, who was selected as a 2013 Caller Times/Citgo Distinguished Scholar in the Performing and Fine Arts category. In addition to his outstanding musical talents and achievements as a soloist and on behalf of W.B. Ray and Corpus Christi musical groups, Luke is also an excellent student, maintaining a great GPA and class rank, and participating in Mock Trial and KEDT Challenge. We are so happy to call him one of Ray Band's own!
With barely a pause after marching season, Ray Band moved on to concert season. This year’s Texas Music Educators Association District Band auditions saw 27 Ray Band students being selected for TMEA All-District Band, 22 of whom qualified to TMEA Region Band auditions. 15 Ray Band members earned chairs in the TMEA All-Region Band. Thank you to all of the Ray Band students who represented Ray at District and Region, and kudos and best of luck to Luke Camarillo, Aaron Vera, and Simon Vera, who will be advancing to TMEA Area Auditions, to be held in January.
After a well-earned Winter Break, the Band will get back to work preparing for UIL Solo and Ensemble and then the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest, and the Buc Parade, and the
Spring Concert, and more!
Ray Band Boosters are so excited about the way the Fighting Texan Band has started out this school year. The 2013 Marching Season for Ray Band was a very busy one, beginning with Summer Band practices starting at the end of July. Head Band Director Nixon Williams and Assistant Band Director Gino Hernandez drilled the Band long and hard on the music and marching sets for this year’s field show, and Assistant Band Director Mrs. Nancy Hesch brought her Color Guard expertise to the Ray Color Guard. Mrs. Hesch even sewed all of the Color Guard’s costumes, with some help from parents! Important leadership also came from our dedicated Head Drum Major Celestina Gonzalez and Assistant Drum Major Cecilia Perez and our hard working section leaders. Stopping by the Band Hall during Band class or practice, you felt like you had stepped into a musical beehive: if the whole band was not studying the previous week's performance video from the game or practicing as a group, band sections and color guard were holding separate practices on their parts, while all three Band Directors were doing tutorials and proficiency testing with sections and individual players. It was really inspiring to see the energy and hard work, and it sure showed each week at halftime and at contests. All of that work paid off- the Band played and marched with beauty and precision, and the Color Guard added emphasis and visual flair to the show. All through marching season, Ray Band parents were there to help in innumerable ways. Ray Band’s 2013 field show, “enLIGHTenment”, with flute solo by Cecilia Perez and trumpet solo by Simon Vera, received a Division One rating at both the Tournament of Bands at Gregory-Portland HS and the Lakeshore Marching Festival at Mathis HS, and a rating of “Excellent” at the UIL Marching Contest at Calallen HS. Congratulations, Ray Texan Band, we are so proud of you!
Congratulations to Ray Band Senior Luke Camarillo, who was selected as a 2013 Caller Times/Citgo Distinguished Scholar in the Performing and Fine Arts category. In addition to his outstanding musical talents and achievements as a soloist and on behalf of W.B. Ray and Corpus Christi musical groups, Luke is also an excellent student, maintaining a great GPA and class rank, and participating in Mock Trial and KEDT Challenge. We are so happy to call him one of Ray Band's own!
With barely a pause after marching season, Ray Band moved on to concert season. This year’s Texas Music Educators Association District Band auditions saw 27 Ray Band students being selected for TMEA All-District Band, 22 of whom qualified to TMEA Region Band auditions. 15 Ray Band members earned chairs in the TMEA All-Region Band. Thank you to all of the Ray Band students who represented Ray at District and Region, and kudos and best of luck to Luke Camarillo, Aaron Vera, and Simon Vera, who will be advancing to TMEA Area Auditions, to be held in January.
After a well-earned Winter Break, the Band will get back to work preparing for UIL Solo and Ensemble and then the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest, and the Buc Parade, and the
Spring Concert, and more!
On December 7, 2013, the twenty-two Ray Band students who qualified to advance from District Band auditioned for TMEA Region Band in Alice.
Thanks to all of them for representing Ray, and congratulations to the fifteen Ray Band members who earned chairs in the TMEA All-Region Band!
Kudos to Luke, Aaron, and Simon, who will be advancing to Area Auditions, to be held January 11, 2014.
The Ray Band members earning chairs in the 2013 TMEA Region Band are the following:
Luke Camarillo – Clarinet, 1st chair, Symphonic Band – He advances to 5A Area
Aaron Vera – Tenor Saxophone, 3rd chair Symphonic Band – He advances to 4A Area
Simon Vera – Trumpet, 6th chair, Honor Winds – He advances to 4A Area
Jose Garcia – Trumpet, 12th chair, Symphonic Band
Lorenzo Nesta – Trumpet, 6th chair, Concert Band
Frankie Cortez – Trumpet, 12th chair, Concert Band
Sam Katz – Clarinet, 16th chair, Concert Band
Sophia Lee – Flute, 8th chair, Concert Band
Rey Herrera – Alto Saxophone, 3rd chair, Concert Band
Kyle James –Alto Saxophone, 5th chair, Concert Band
Nathan Flores – Tenor Saxophone, 1st chair, Concert Band
Celestina Gonzales – Alto Clarinet, 1st chair, Concert Band
Jeremy Pansano – Tenor Trombone, 3rd chair, Concert Band
Tristan Falcon– Percussion, 2nd chair, Concert Band
Darrien Spicak – Percussion, 3rd chair, Concert Band
Thanks to all of them for representing Ray, and congratulations to the fifteen Ray Band members who earned chairs in the TMEA All-Region Band!
Kudos to Luke, Aaron, and Simon, who will be advancing to Area Auditions, to be held January 11, 2014.
The Ray Band members earning chairs in the 2013 TMEA Region Band are the following:
Luke Camarillo – Clarinet, 1st chair, Symphonic Band – He advances to 5A Area
Aaron Vera – Tenor Saxophone, 3rd chair Symphonic Band – He advances to 4A Area
Simon Vera – Trumpet, 6th chair, Honor Winds – He advances to 4A Area
Jose Garcia – Trumpet, 12th chair, Symphonic Band
Lorenzo Nesta – Trumpet, 6th chair, Concert Band
Frankie Cortez – Trumpet, 12th chair, Concert Band
Sam Katz – Clarinet, 16th chair, Concert Band
Sophia Lee – Flute, 8th chair, Concert Band
Rey Herrera – Alto Saxophone, 3rd chair, Concert Band
Kyle James –Alto Saxophone, 5th chair, Concert Band
Nathan Flores – Tenor Saxophone, 1st chair, Concert Band
Celestina Gonzales – Alto Clarinet, 1st chair, Concert Band
Jeremy Pansano – Tenor Trombone, 3rd chair, Concert Band
Tristan Falcon– Percussion, 2nd chair, Concert Band
Darrien Spicak – Percussion, 3rd chair, Concert Band
Thank you to all of the Ray Band students who represented Ray HS at the TMEA District Band Auditions at Miller HS on November 16th!
Congratulations
to the following Ray Band students who were
selected for District Band:
Alyssa Aguas
Clarissa Garcia
Samantha Garcia
Alan Garduno
Sara Rodriguez
Ruben Saldana
The following students were selected for District Band and will advance
to the next level of competition,
Region Band auditions on December 7th.
Congratulations and good luck to:
Andres (Luke) Camarillo
Abraham Cepeda
Florencio (Frankie) Cortez
Kristy Darrow
Tristan Falcon
Nathan Flores
Jose Garcia
Monica Garcia
Celestina Gonzales
Reymundo Herrera
Kyle James
Sam Katz
Sophia Lee
Jordan Moeller
Lorenzo Nesta
Jeremy Pansano
Cecilia Perez
Crescencio Santos
Sarrah Sifuentes
Darrien Spicak
Aaron Vera
Simon Vera
Congratulations to Ray Band Senior Luke Camarillo, who was selected as a 2013 Caller Times/Citgo Distinguished Scholar in the Performing and Fine Arts category. In addition to his outstanding musical talents and achievements on behalf of Ray HS and Corpus Christi musical groups, Luke is also an excellent student, maintaining a great GPA and class rank, and participating in Mock Trial and KEDT Challenge. We are so proud to call him one of Ray Band's own! Read more here: http://www.caller.com/news/2013/nov/14/distinguished-scholars-2013-andres-luke-and-fine/
Halloween Halftime Performance
Everyone who attended the Halloween game sure did get a spooky treat. What a fantastic job by our Band Directors, Band and Color Guard! Thank you to everyone who worked so hard on this show- you are amazing! The crowd loved it, and seeing Tex, Mary Lou, the cheerleaders, and the Tex-Anns take part in a halftime show with the Band was just great. The finale had those in the stands simultaneously cheering and thinking about making a run for it- it was scary-good! Thanks to our award-winning photographer, Mr. Erik Sifuentes, for the videos. Watch both videos, you will be glad you did.
Field show from the stands:
http://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DqLssEdAwLFE%26feature%3Dshare&a=D4CEyPnJ5jFTIX0pXQPm5Q
Field view of the show- so much fun to watch!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=b3us4Ukbtog
Everyone who attended the Halloween game sure did get a spooky treat. What a fantastic job by our Band Directors, Band and Color Guard! Thank you to everyone who worked so hard on this show- you are amazing! The crowd loved it, and seeing Tex, Mary Lou, the cheerleaders, and the Tex-Anns take part in a halftime show with the Band was just great. The finale had those in the stands simultaneously cheering and thinking about making a run for it- it was scary-good! Thanks to our award-winning photographer, Mr. Erik Sifuentes, for the videos. Watch both videos, you will be glad you did.
Field show from the stands:
http://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DqLssEdAwLFE%26feature%3Dshare&a=D4CEyPnJ5jFTIX0pXQPm5Q
Field view of the show- so much fun to watch!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=b3us4Ukbtog
2013 Marching Band Season
Ray Band 2012-2013 School Year
Our Ray Texan Band and Color Guard had a great school year! At this year’s UIL Marching Band Competition, the Band received a rating of “Excellent” for their performance of the 2012 field show, "Strange Horizons". The musical selections featured in the field show were "Incantation", from Cirque du Soleil, and two songs arranged by our own Mr. Dan Williams, "Strange Humors", and "Creep", from Radiohead. The duet by Niki Lopez (alto saxophone) and Anthony Salazar (oboe), the sax feature by Joshua Ferrell (alto saxophone), Nathan Flores (baritone saxophone), Kyle James, (alto saxophone), Niki Lopez (alto saxophone), and Aaron Vera (tenor saxophone), and the solo by Luke Camarillo (clarinet), were played with beauty and precision. Led by Drum Majors Natalie Galindo and Celestina Gonzales, the Band's playing, as always, was accomplished and effective, and their marching really reflected the hours and hours of practice they put in on the drills created by Mr. Gino Hernandez. Our Color Guard, led by Marina Sul and Alexis Monreal, added emphasis and visual flair to the show. Congratulations and thanks to Mr. Nixon Williams, Head Band Director, our two Assistant Band Directors, Mr. Dan Williams and Mr. Gino Hernandez, our Consultants Ms. Abigail Fenner (Front Ensemble) and Mr. Damon L. Whitley II, (Color Guard), our Head Drum Major Natalie Galindo and Assistant Drum Major Celestina Gonzales, and our Ray Band members for your dedication and hard work! Many thanks also to all of the Ray Band parents who spent countless hours helping out in innumerable ways during marching season.
This year the Band traveled to Laredo three times just for scheduled football games, let alone the playoffs, and one of those long bus trips occurred the night before the marching contest! Another away game brought the Band back to the Ray Band Hall at 3 AM the night before the TMEA (Texas Music Educators Association) District Band auditions. Thirty-one dedicated Ray Band members came right back to the Band Hall by 8 AM to catch the bus to go to the audition- and more than half of those students advanced to Region Band! At Region Band, our Ray Band members sure did shine. Sammy Katz, Kyle James, Aaron Vera, Celestina Gonzales, and Savannah Martinez were all selected for Region Concert Band. Niki Lopez was selected for Region Symphonic Band. Darrien Spicak was selected for Region Honor Winds, and Simon Vera and Luke Camarillo were selected for Region Honor Winds and advanced to Area Band. The W.B. Ray High School Symphonic Band did a beautiful job at the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading contest in Flour Bluff in April. The hard work of preparing was worthwhile- our Band received a "2", or Excellent, in Concert, and a "1", or Superior, in Sight-Reading. Great job, Texan Band!
It was a great year for Ray at UIL Solo and Ensemble! Fifty-one students from the W. B. Ray Band auditioned at the District Solo and Ensemble Contest in Kingsville in February. In all, Ray Band students earned a total of 33 medals! In the solo category, the following received Division One medals: Shazia Nooruddin, Sophia Lee, Jeremiah Salinas, Sarita Damaraju, Natalie Galindo, Austin Nguyen, Jeremy Pansano, Rosa Leal, John Nesmith, and Crescencio Santos. Ray Band Soloists who earned Division One medals and also qualified for State Solo and Ensemble are Luke Camarillo, clarinet, Darrien Spicak- snare drum, and Tristan Falcon, keyboard percussion solo. In the small ensemble category the following received Division One medals: Flute Trio: Zavion Garza, Abrianna Mauricio, and Sarah Rodriguez, and the Cornet Trio: Frankie Cortez, Mannie Mosqueira, and Jeffrey Morales. Ray Band Small Ensembles who earned Division One medals and also qualified for State are the Flute /Oboe/Clarinet Trio: CiCi Perez, Anthony Salazar, and Celestina Gonzales, the Saxophone Quartet: Bianca Chadis, Kyle James, Miranda (Niki) Lopez, and Aaron Vera, the Trumpet Quartet: Frankie Cortez, Jose Garcia, Mannie Mosqueira, and Simon Vera, and the Percussion Trio: Tristan Falcon, Darrien Spicak, and Kevin Torres. At Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest in May, soloists Luke Camarillo, Tristan Falcon and Darrien Spicak all earned Division One medals, as did the Percussion Trio. Congratulations also to the Saxophone Quartet (Division Two) and the Trumpet Quartet (Division 3). Luke Camarillo was awarded an Outstanding Soloist for the second year in a row for his clarinet solo, and this year also for a vocal solo. Luke is the only Outstanding Soloist this year from CCISD. Thanks and congratulations to all Texan Band members who represented Ray at any Solo and Ensemble contest!
The Freshman Band Orientation was a wonderful way to welcome 8th graders from Hamlin and Baker who will be joining Ray Band as of Summer Band at the end of July. Many of these middle school band members also marched with our Ray Band in the Homecoming Parade and the Buc Parade, and the performance of the Ray Symphonic Band was inspiring for the 8th graders and their parents. Thank you to all of the Ray Band Boosters who came out that night to offer refreshments and welcoming words as a sign of Ray Band hospitality!
On May 22nd, Assistant Band Director Gino Hernandez hosted “Percussion Music: Variety Pack”, a concert by Ray Percussion Ensemble with special guests, Baker and Hamlin Percussion Ensembles, in the Ray Band Hall. This impressive and enjoyable concert was a resounding success. Congratulations and thanks to Mr. Hernandez and our very talented Ray Percussion Ensemble!
The end of the school year is not the end of band activities- Ray Band played the Class
of 2013 out at graduation on June 8th, and Summer Band will be here before we know it! See the "Band Events" page for a full Summer Band schedule. In the meantime, participating Ray Band members had a great time on the Ray Band Trip to Orlando, Florida, June 9th-14th. Graduating seniors Natalie Galindo and Kevin Torres will be spending most of this summer “Marching Genesis” as part of the prestigious Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps. We hope that all of our Ray Band grads will stay in touch- we appreciate everything that you have done for Ray Band, and we’ll really miss you!
Many thanks to everyone who helped make this a successful year!
Scroll down for more details about the 2012-2013 school year.
This year the Band traveled to Laredo three times just for scheduled football games, let alone the playoffs, and one of those long bus trips occurred the night before the marching contest! Another away game brought the Band back to the Ray Band Hall at 3 AM the night before the TMEA (Texas Music Educators Association) District Band auditions. Thirty-one dedicated Ray Band members came right back to the Band Hall by 8 AM to catch the bus to go to the audition- and more than half of those students advanced to Region Band! At Region Band, our Ray Band members sure did shine. Sammy Katz, Kyle James, Aaron Vera, Celestina Gonzales, and Savannah Martinez were all selected for Region Concert Band. Niki Lopez was selected for Region Symphonic Band. Darrien Spicak was selected for Region Honor Winds, and Simon Vera and Luke Camarillo were selected for Region Honor Winds and advanced to Area Band. The W.B. Ray High School Symphonic Band did a beautiful job at the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading contest in Flour Bluff in April. The hard work of preparing was worthwhile- our Band received a "2", or Excellent, in Concert, and a "1", or Superior, in Sight-Reading. Great job, Texan Band!
It was a great year for Ray at UIL Solo and Ensemble! Fifty-one students from the W. B. Ray Band auditioned at the District Solo and Ensemble Contest in Kingsville in February. In all, Ray Band students earned a total of 33 medals! In the solo category, the following received Division One medals: Shazia Nooruddin, Sophia Lee, Jeremiah Salinas, Sarita Damaraju, Natalie Galindo, Austin Nguyen, Jeremy Pansano, Rosa Leal, John Nesmith, and Crescencio Santos. Ray Band Soloists who earned Division One medals and also qualified for State Solo and Ensemble are Luke Camarillo, clarinet, Darrien Spicak- snare drum, and Tristan Falcon, keyboard percussion solo. In the small ensemble category the following received Division One medals: Flute Trio: Zavion Garza, Abrianna Mauricio, and Sarah Rodriguez, and the Cornet Trio: Frankie Cortez, Mannie Mosqueira, and Jeffrey Morales. Ray Band Small Ensembles who earned Division One medals and also qualified for State are the Flute /Oboe/Clarinet Trio: CiCi Perez, Anthony Salazar, and Celestina Gonzales, the Saxophone Quartet: Bianca Chadis, Kyle James, Miranda (Niki) Lopez, and Aaron Vera, the Trumpet Quartet: Frankie Cortez, Jose Garcia, Mannie Mosqueira, and Simon Vera, and the Percussion Trio: Tristan Falcon, Darrien Spicak, and Kevin Torres. At Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest in May, soloists Luke Camarillo, Tristan Falcon and Darrien Spicak all earned Division One medals, as did the Percussion Trio. Congratulations also to the Saxophone Quartet (Division Two) and the Trumpet Quartet (Division 3). Luke Camarillo was awarded an Outstanding Soloist for the second year in a row for his clarinet solo, and this year also for a vocal solo. Luke is the only Outstanding Soloist this year from CCISD. Thanks and congratulations to all Texan Band members who represented Ray at any Solo and Ensemble contest!
The Freshman Band Orientation was a wonderful way to welcome 8th graders from Hamlin and Baker who will be joining Ray Band as of Summer Band at the end of July. Many of these middle school band members also marched with our Ray Band in the Homecoming Parade and the Buc Parade, and the performance of the Ray Symphonic Band was inspiring for the 8th graders and their parents. Thank you to all of the Ray Band Boosters who came out that night to offer refreshments and welcoming words as a sign of Ray Band hospitality!
On May 22nd, Assistant Band Director Gino Hernandez hosted “Percussion Music: Variety Pack”, a concert by Ray Percussion Ensemble with special guests, Baker and Hamlin Percussion Ensembles, in the Ray Band Hall. This impressive and enjoyable concert was a resounding success. Congratulations and thanks to Mr. Hernandez and our very talented Ray Percussion Ensemble!
The end of the school year is not the end of band activities- Ray Band played the Class
of 2013 out at graduation on June 8th, and Summer Band will be here before we know it! See the "Band Events" page for a full Summer Band schedule. In the meantime, participating Ray Band members had a great time on the Ray Band Trip to Orlando, Florida, June 9th-14th. Graduating seniors Natalie Galindo and Kevin Torres will be spending most of this summer “Marching Genesis” as part of the prestigious Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps. We hope that all of our Ray Band grads will stay in touch- we appreciate everything that you have done for Ray Band, and we’ll really miss you!
Many thanks to everyone who helped make this a successful year!
Scroll down for more details about the 2012-2013 school year.
Luke Camarillo is CCISD's only TSSEC
Outstanding Soloist this year!
Not only was Ray Band's Luke Camarillo named as Outstanding Soloist again this year for his clarinet solo at the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest (TSSEC), but he was named the Outstanding Soloist medal for his vocal solo as well!
Each year at TSSEC, some 24,000 students audition. Luke is the only outstanding soloist from CCISD this year, which is remarkable enough, but the fact that he was named outstanding soloist in two solo events makes his achievement even more impressive. Here is what Ray's Choir Director, Kim Bryce says:
Judges at TSSEC hear students all day over two days (Saturday and Monday), Memorial Day weekend. After hearing between 40 to 60 events, participants from around the state, the judges may choose to recognize 1-2 performances as outstanding. These students are awarded an additional medal. Luke Camarillo is recognized as an outstanding soloist in both clarinet and voice this year. Two separate solo events, same year. He is the only outstanding soloist from CCISD this year. These two medals are in addition to the outstanding soloist medal he received last year in clarinet. Few students achieve one outstanding recognition, much less three, and in two separate events. If you know Luke, be sure to congratulate him on this singular accomplishment.
Each year at TSSEC, some 24,000 students audition. Luke is the only outstanding soloist from CCISD this year, which is remarkable enough, but the fact that he was named outstanding soloist in two solo events makes his achievement even more impressive. Here is what Ray's Choir Director, Kim Bryce says:
Judges at TSSEC hear students all day over two days (Saturday and Monday), Memorial Day weekend. After hearing between 40 to 60 events, participants from around the state, the judges may choose to recognize 1-2 performances as outstanding. These students are awarded an additional medal. Luke Camarillo is recognized as an outstanding soloist in both clarinet and voice this year. Two separate solo events, same year. He is the only outstanding soloist from CCISD this year. These two medals are in addition to the outstanding soloist medal he received last year in clarinet. Few students achieve one outstanding recognition, much less three, and in two separate events. If you know Luke, be sure to congratulate him on this singular accomplishment.
Texas State Solo and Ensemble
At the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest in May, soloists Luke Camarillo, Tristan Falcon and Darrien Spicak all earned Division One medals, as did the Percussion Trio. Congratulations also to the Saxophone Quartet (Division Two) and the Trumpet Quartet (Division 3). Luke Camarillo was awarded an Outstanding Soloist for the second year in a row for his clarinet solo, and this year also for a vocal solo. Luke is the only TSSEC Outstanding Soloist this year from CCISD. Thanks and congratulations to all Texan Band members who represented Ray at any Solo and Ensemble contest! Scroll down to see other 2012-2013 UIL and TMEA Ray band results.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2013 Ray Band Booster Scholarships!
We are happy to award two $250 scholarships sponsored by Ray Band Boosters for the first time this year.
We wish we could have had an award for ALL of our Ray Band Class of 2013. We have so many talented and dedicated Seniors that it was difficult for our Band Directors to select the winners.Our scholarships are named in memory of two Ray Band graduates who are dearly missed.
Good luck to Miranda "Niki" Lopez at Texas State and to Natalie Galindo at Texas Tech.
Congratulations, Niki and Natalie, and thank you for your exemplary work for the Ray Texan Band!
We wish we could have had an award for ALL of our Ray Band Class of 2013. We have so many talented and dedicated Seniors that it was difficult for our Band Directors to select the winners.Our scholarships are named in memory of two Ray Band graduates who are dearly missed.
Good luck to Miranda "Niki" Lopez at Texas State and to Natalie Galindo at Texas Tech.
Congratulations, Niki and Natalie, and thank you for your exemplary work for the Ray Texan Band!
Ray Band brought back 33 medals from Solo and Ensemble!
Fifty-one students from the W. B. Ray Band Department participated in the District Solo and Ensemble Contest in Kingsville on February 23, 2013.
In all, Ray Band students earned a total of 33 medals!
In the solo category, the following received Division One medals:
Shazia Nooruddin Flute Solo
Sophia Lee Flute Solo
Luke Camarillo Clarinet Solo – Qualified for State
Jeremiah Salinas Trumpet Solo
Sarita Damaraju Horn Solo
Natalie Galindo Horn Solo
Austin Nguyen Trombone Solo
Jeremy Pansano Trombone Solo
Rosa Leal Euphonium Solo
John Nesmith Tuba Solo
Crescencio Santos Tuba Solo
Darrien Spicak Snare Drum Solo - Qualified for State
Tristan Falcon Keyboard Percussion Solo - Qualified for State
In the small ensemble category the following received Division One medals:
Flute/ Oboe/Clarinet Trio- Qualified for State- Cecilia Perez
Anthony Salazar
Celestina Gonzales
Flute Trio Zavion Garza
Abrianna Mauricio
Sarah Rodriguez
Saxophone Quartet-Qualified for State- Bianca Chadis
Kyle James
Miranda Lopez
Aaron Vera
Cornet Trio Frankie Cortez
Mannie Mosqueira
Jeffrey Morales
Trumpet Quartet- Qualified for State- Jose Garcia
Simon Vera
Frankie Cortez
Mannie Mosqueira
Percussion Ensemble- Qualified for State- Tristan Falcon
Darien Spicak
Kevin Torres
Soloists Earning Division Two rating were as follows:
Sammy Katz Clarinet Solo
Nathan Flores Baritone Sax Solo
Rey Herrera Alto Saxophone Solo
Francisco Diaz Trombone Solo
Israel Escobedo Trombone Solo
Joey Martinez Tuba Solo
Other Band Students that represented Ray at Solo and Ensemble were:
Josh Ferrell
Megan Tames
Claudia Blanco
Eric Graves
Ernie Llamas
Thomas Cruz
♬ We are so proud of all of our Ray Band members!
2012 TMEA (Texas Music Educators Association) Region Band
On Saturday December 1, Ray Band members spent the day at Alice High School at the TMEA Region Band Auditions. Three students were selected for the top band at Region, called "Honor Winds", and two Ray Band students will advance to audition for the TMEA Area Band in Alice on January 5th. The Region Band Concert is Saturday, December 8th, at 4:30 pm at the Flour Bluff High School auditorium.
Here is a complete rundown of the Ray Band Region Audition results:
Simon Vera- Honor Winds (Advancing to Area Band auditions)
Andres (Luke) Camarillo- Honor Winds (Advancing to Area Band auditions)
Darrien Spicak- Honor Winds
Niki Lopez- Symphonic Band
Sammy Katz- Concert Band
Kyle James- Concert Band
Aaron Vera- Concert Band
Celestina Gonzales- Concert Band
Estrella (Savannah) Martinez- Concert Band
Thank you to all who represented Ray at Region Auditions,
congratulations to Region Band members, and
good luck at Area Auditions to
Simon Vera and Luke Camarillo!
Here is a complete rundown of the Ray Band Region Audition results:
Simon Vera- Honor Winds (Advancing to Area Band auditions)
Andres (Luke) Camarillo- Honor Winds (Advancing to Area Band auditions)
Darrien Spicak- Honor Winds
Niki Lopez- Symphonic Band
Sammy Katz- Concert Band
Kyle James- Concert Band
Aaron Vera- Concert Band
Celestina Gonzales- Concert Band
Estrella (Savannah) Martinez- Concert Band
Thank you to all who represented Ray at Region Auditions,
congratulations to Region Band members, and
good luck at Area Auditions to
Simon Vera and Luke Camarillo!
Ray Band members spent the first day of Thanksgiving Break representing W.B. Ray at auditions for the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) District Band. Thanks to all of those who participated; Band members got home about 3:00 am from the Mission game, and had to be at school again by 8:00 am to catch the bus to go to the auditions. Congratulations to everyone who made District Band!
Thank you for your dedication!
Francisco Diaz
Francisca Galicia
Ray Herrera
Zavion Garza
Shazia Nooruddin
Sarah Rodriguez
Megan Tamez
Selected for District Band:
Abraham Cepeda
Clarissa Garcia
Sarrah Sifuentes
Nathaniel Flores
Jose Garcia
Lorenzo Nesta Jr.
Eric Graves
Jeremy Panasano
Selected for District Band and Advancing to Region Band Auditions-
Good Luck at Region Auditions to:
Cecelia (CiCi) Perez
Sophia Lee
Andres (Luke) Camarillo
Sammy Katz
Samantha Garcia
Celestina Gonzales
Savannah Martinez
Claudia Blanco
Kyle James
Miranda (Niki) Lopez
Aaron Vera
Simon Vera
Natalie Galindo
Cordell Harwood
John Nesmith
Darrien Spicak
Thank you for your dedication!
Francisco Diaz
Francisca Galicia
Ray Herrera
Zavion Garza
Shazia Nooruddin
Sarah Rodriguez
Megan Tamez
Selected for District Band:
Abraham Cepeda
Clarissa Garcia
Sarrah Sifuentes
Nathaniel Flores
Jose Garcia
Lorenzo Nesta Jr.
Eric Graves
Jeremy Panasano
Selected for District Band and Advancing to Region Band Auditions-
Good Luck at Region Auditions to:
Cecelia (CiCi) Perez
Sophia Lee
Andres (Luke) Camarillo
Sammy Katz
Samantha Garcia
Celestina Gonzales
Savannah Martinez
Claudia Blanco
Kyle James
Miranda (Niki) Lopez
Aaron Vera
Simon Vera
Natalie Galindo
Cordell Harwood
John Nesmith
Darrien Spicak
Ray Band Boosters is so proud of our hard working and talented Texan Band!
2012 UIL Marching Band Competition
Guided by Head Band Director Mr. Nixon Williams and Assistant Band Directors Mr. Dan Williams and Mr. Gino Hernandez, the Band was hard at work from July 30th on through to Marching Contest on the 2012 field show, "Strange Horizons". The musical selections featured in the field show were "Incantation", from Cirque du Soleil, and two songs arranged by our own Mr. Dan Williams, "Strange Humors", and "Creep", from Radiohead. The duet by Niki Lopez (alto saxophone) and Anthony Salazar (oboe), the sax feature by Joshua Ferrell (alto saxophone), Nathaniel Flores (baritone saxophone), Kyle James, (alto saxophone), Niki Lopez (alto saxophone, and Aaron Vera (tenor saxophone), and the solo by Luke Camarillo (clarinet), were played with beauty and precision. Led by Drum Majors Natalie Galindo and Celestina Gonzales, the Band's playing, as always, was accomplished and effective, and their marching really reflected the hours and hours of practice they put in on the drills created by Mr. Gino Hernandez. Our Color Guard, led by Marina Sul and Alexis Monreal, added emphasis and visual flair to the show.
The Ray Band joined several other impressive bands at the October 20th UIL Marching Contest in receiving a Division 2 (Excellent) rating. Congratulations and thanks to our Band Directors,
our Consultants Ms. Abigail Fenner (Front Ensemble) and Mr. Damon L. Whitley II, (Color Guard), our Drum Majors, and our Ray Band members for your dedication and hard work!
Thanks also to all of the Ray Band parents who have spent countless hours
helping out in innumerable ways.
Go, Ray Band, Go!
The Ray Band joined several other impressive bands at the October 20th UIL Marching Contest in receiving a Division 2 (Excellent) rating. Congratulations and thanks to our Band Directors,
our Consultants Ms. Abigail Fenner (Front Ensemble) and Mr. Damon L. Whitley II, (Color Guard), our Drum Majors, and our Ray Band members for your dedication and hard work!
Thanks also to all of the Ray Band parents who have spent countless hours
helping out in innumerable ways.
Go, Ray Band, Go!
Our Ray Texan Band had a great 2011-2012 school year!
At last year’s UIL Marching Band Competition, the Band’s performance of the 2011 year’s field show, entitled “Armada! Voyage of Honor” received a rating of “Excellent”. Head Band Director Mr. Nixon Williams navigated the Band through a successful voyage. We were lucky to have such beautiful field show music composed for us by our very own Assistant Band Director, Mr. Dan Williams. Mr. Gino Hernandez worked with the Band on the drill for the field show, and has joined the faculty as our newest Assistant Band Director. Thanks so much to our amazing Drum Majors, Natalie Galindo and Celestina Gonzales, for your leadership during marching season and all last year. Thanks also to our hard-working Band students, and to all of the Band parents and Booster Board members who did so much to help get the show onto the field.
Ray was also well very represented at the TMEA District Band Auditions in November. 17 of our Ray Texan Band members earned their patch for District Band. 13 of those Band members qualified to audition for Region Band. Congratulations to Andres “Luke” Camarillo, Bb clarinet, Justin Garcia, trumpet, and Tristan Lopez, percussion, who made first chair for their instruments in District Band, and Celestina Gonzales, bass clarinet, Miranda Lopez, tenor saxophone, Cecilia Perez, piccolo, and Gilbert Sifuentes, tuba, who all made second chair for their instruments in District Band. At the Region Band Auditions on December 3rd, six of our Ray Band members qualified for Region Band, and two, Luke Camarillo and Justin Garcia, qualified for TMEA All-Area Band.
Ray Band sure did shine at Solo and Ensemble! The Woodwind Trio-Celestina Gonzales, Cecilia Perez and Anthony Salazar received a Division One Rating at the Region 14 High School Band Solo and Ensemble Contest. The following students earned a Division One (top rating) for solos performed at the Regional Solo and Ensemble Contest: Gabriela de la Bianca, Andres ‘Luke” Camarillo, Celestina Gonzales, Jennifer Ruiz, Samantha Garcia, Joshua Ferrell, Anne-Marie Morales, James ‘Max” Duerr, Eric Graves, Cordell Harwood, Jennifer Rodriguez, Justin Garcia, Crescencio Santos, Francisco Diaz, and Megan Tamez. The soloists who qualified for State Level contest are Luke Camarillo and Justin Garcia.
Ray trumpet player Justin Garcia received a rating of "1" (Superior) at the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest (TSSEC).
Ray clarinetist Luke Camarillo received a rating of "1" (Superior) at the State Solo and Ensemble Contest (TSSEC), and was selected as Outstanding Soloist.
Three other ensemble groups received a Division One rating at Regionals and moved on to the State Contest:
On May 16th Mr. Gino Hernandez hosted “Percussion 101”, a Band Hall concert featuring our talented Ray percussionists and special guests the Clarinet Choir. We hope that this is the beginning of a new Ray tradition- the concert was amazing! Ray percussionists have had quite a year. Tristan Falcon represented Ray High School in the 2012 Corpus Christi Area Percussion Ensemble, and Darrien Spicak and Kevin Torres will be spending most of the summer in the prestigious Genesis Drum Corps.
Ray was also well very represented at the TMEA District Band Auditions in November. 17 of our Ray Texan Band members earned their patch for District Band. 13 of those Band members qualified to audition for Region Band. Congratulations to Andres “Luke” Camarillo, Bb clarinet, Justin Garcia, trumpet, and Tristan Lopez, percussion, who made first chair for their instruments in District Band, and Celestina Gonzales, bass clarinet, Miranda Lopez, tenor saxophone, Cecilia Perez, piccolo, and Gilbert Sifuentes, tuba, who all made second chair for their instruments in District Band. At the Region Band Auditions on December 3rd, six of our Ray Band members qualified for Region Band, and two, Luke Camarillo and Justin Garcia, qualified for TMEA All-Area Band.
Ray Band sure did shine at Solo and Ensemble! The Woodwind Trio-Celestina Gonzales, Cecilia Perez and Anthony Salazar received a Division One Rating at the Region 14 High School Band Solo and Ensemble Contest. The following students earned a Division One (top rating) for solos performed at the Regional Solo and Ensemble Contest: Gabriela de la Bianca, Andres ‘Luke” Camarillo, Celestina Gonzales, Jennifer Ruiz, Samantha Garcia, Joshua Ferrell, Anne-Marie Morales, James ‘Max” Duerr, Eric Graves, Cordell Harwood, Jennifer Rodriguez, Justin Garcia, Crescencio Santos, Francisco Diaz, and Megan Tamez. The soloists who qualified for State Level contest are Luke Camarillo and Justin Garcia.
Ray trumpet player Justin Garcia received a rating of "1" (Superior) at the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest (TSSEC).
Ray clarinetist Luke Camarillo received a rating of "1" (Superior) at the State Solo and Ensemble Contest (TSSEC), and was selected as Outstanding Soloist.
Three other ensemble groups received a Division One rating at Regionals and moved on to the State Contest:
- The Percussion Ensemble- Gilbert Cantu, Tristan Lopez, Charles Mahaffey, Ruberto Saenz, Thomas Cruz, Darrien Spicak, Kevin Torres, and Sarah Torres represented Ray at TSSEC.
- Ray Band's Clarinet Choir- Luke Camarillo, Kristy Darrow, Samantha Garcia, Celestina Gonzales, Sammy Katz, Savannah Martinez, and Krystalle Pecina, received a rating of "1" (Superior) at the State Solo and Ensemble Contest (TSSEC).
- The Percussion Trio-Tristan Lopez, Darrien Spicak, and Kevin Torres, received a rating of "2" (Excellent) at the State Solo and Ensemble Contest (TSSEC).
On May 16th Mr. Gino Hernandez hosted “Percussion 101”, a Band Hall concert featuring our talented Ray percussionists and special guests the Clarinet Choir. We hope that this is the beginning of a new Ray tradition- the concert was amazing! Ray percussionists have had quite a year. Tristan Falcon represented Ray High School in the 2012 Corpus Christi Area Percussion Ensemble, and Darrien Spicak and Kevin Torres will be spending most of the summer in the prestigious Genesis Drum Corps.
ALL of our Ray Texan Band members make us proud!
Ray Band is turning trash to treasure!
Ray Band is now collecting inkjet and laser printer and toner cartridges and old cell phones. All of these items can be redeemed to make money for the Band, through eCycle. Toner cartridges from office printers and cartridges are especially good. Please ask friends, family members, and colleagues to give their old printer cartridges and old cell phones to you. Look for the white collection box in the Band Hall in front of Mr. D. William's office.
See the Band Booster Organization page for more information.
For More information on Band events, see our Newsletter Page.
CCISD now requires all chaperones and other people whose volunteer work brings them together with students to complete an online registration process. The process is fast and easy, and it helps keep our kids safe!
To reach the CCISD website and follow simple instructions to complete the online registration process, click on the picture of the volunteers.
CCISD sends a letter on completion. Please bring a copy of the letter to Mr. Williams and to the office at Ray H. S.
Thank you!
CCISD sends a letter on completion. Please bring a copy of the letter to Mr. Williams and to the office at Ray H. S.
Thank you!