A review of the 2022 2023 Forney High School Band season shows a group of students who excelled in their craft and brought home multiple honors to their school and community. In the Fall, the Marching Band received a top ten ranking in the State UIL Marching Contest. The Percussion Ensemble was given the honor of playing a showcase concert at the prestigious Percussive Arts Society Convention in Indianapolis. At the final competition of the season, the Wind Ensemble, walked away with top honors at the Peak Music Festival in Richardson.
This was the first year for the Wind Ensemble to compete in the Peak Festival, a multi day competition including bands and orchestras from across the state.
The competition required the Ensemble to play three musical numbers. They started their work on these demanding pieces in January. The music included a circus march called Honey Boys on Parade by Edward Cupero, Rocky Point Holiday by Ron Nelson, and the famous Toccata and Fugue in D minor by Johann Sebastian Bach. Cody Newman, Director of Bands for FHS, said that he made the selection of demanding music that would push the stucompetition. dents to grow as musicians and players.
Mr. Newman said that the main goal was to make incredible music in a world class venue and achieve new musical heights not yet felt or realized by the students. It is obvious that under the leadership of Director Newman his goal was met. It is also clear that his efforts with the students were about much more than winning a Mr. Newman said, “Afterwards the look on the students’ faces, the sense of accomplishment in their individual and ensemble perseverance, and the pride in the dedication to play such challenging and well respected music were the real trophies for me. I got to hear them individually express how the lessons they learned through this prowess will help them achieve their goals in any profession they choose in the future and in life. I could not be more proud of the students.”
One person at the competition, who had heard several other bands, said she had not heard any group that sounded as good the Forney Wind Ensemble. The judges agreed. Here are a sample of comments from the judges: ‘Super!” “This was a JOY to listen to today!” “WOW!! WHAT A BAND!! This was a JOY to listen to today!” “A real pleasure to hear you! All I can say is WOW, you are mature beyond your years! Congrats! BRAVO!!!.... This was a JOY to listen to today.”
Finally, the judges gave the Forney Wind Ensemble a division one rating, This was across the board from all judges. In addition, the students won a Best in Class Award and an Overall Outstanding Ensemble in the Competition Award. They truly were the best in show!
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