World Famous Composer Visits Spring Woods High School Band
The Spring Woods HS Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Don Zurbriggen and Jeff Munger, performed a piece entitled “Aurora Awakes” for UIL competition, written by world-famous composer John Mackey. “Aurora Awakes” is a difficult piece rarely performed at the high school level.
Mr. Zurbriggen arranged for John Mackey to travel from Austin to Spring Woods to hold a clinic for the band, where Mackey listened to the band perform “Aurora Awakes” and offered his expertise. After hearing them perform, he told the students that it was “the best I've ever heard ‘Aurora Awakes’ from a high school band". The students were also given the opportunity to ask him questions about his experiences as a composer.
The ensemble, went on to perform “Aurora Awakes” at the Waltrip Music Festival and received straight first division ratings in both concert and sight reading. Only three high school bands received first divisions from every judge in the entire three day competition!
Less than two weeks later, the ensemble achieved straight ones on stage and in sight reading at the UIL contest in Brenham Texas on April 12, 2011. The ensemble was the only group to receive straight ones across the board the entire day.
On April 30th, the Jazz Band performed at the Running for The Arts at Memorial City Mall!
The Wind Ensemble and Symphonic band also performed at the Spring Concert on May 17.
The State Solo and Ensemble Competition was held on Monday, May 30 in Austin. Richard Young and Grant Bridges represented Spring Woods High School at this event.