Unstoppable Sound: GPISD bands make history with top honors at UIL competition
Apr 04, 2025
The Gregory-Portland ISD band program achieved a historic milestone at the recent UIL Concert and Sight Reading Evaluation, with all six of its middle and high school bands earning top honors. Unstoppable Sound: GPISD bands make
history with top honors at UIL competitionChris Morrow, head band director at GP High School, told KRIS 6 the accomplishment marked the first time all six bandsthree from the high school and three from the middle schoolreceived straight Division I ratings in both performance and sight reading categories."Weve been consistent for many years, but this year was different because we had three high school bands competing instead of two," Morrow said. "To see every group meet this goal was incredibly rewarding."The competition required bands to perform three prepared pieces and a newly sight-read composition. Morrow credited the success to year-round preparation, focusing on fundamentals like tone, tuning, and articulation.For students like eighth grader Emily Campbell, the victory was unforgettable. Campbell, who plays tuba in the varsity band and bass drum in concert band, described the moment the scores were announced. "Once Mr. Anderson got on the bus and showed us the trophy, everybody started screaming," Campbell told KRIS 6. "Last year we did well, but this years excitement was different." David Sanchez, a senior and drum major, said the achievement capped a record-breaking year for the program, which also excelled during marching season. "Its something Ill reflect on when Im older," Sanchez said. "Even our non-varsity groups performed at the same level as varsity. Thats what made it special."With the competition season behind them, the bands are now preparing for spring concerts and next years marching show. Morrow emphasized the programs focus on continuous growth. "We never stop," he said. "We just switch gears and prepare for the next challenge."The trophies earned by all six bands will soon be displayed in their respective band hallsa testament to what Morrow called "the hard work paying off."For the latest local news updates, click here, or download the KRIS 6 News App.Catch all the KRIS 6 News stories and more on our YouTube page. Subscribe today! ...read more read less
