The lights beam down on their faces. The band students go over in their heads everything their directors have told them about their music. They take a deep breath and walk onto stage, ready to nail their performance.

Most of the Argyle High School Band’s ensembles made it to the Chambers Concert held at Argyle High School on March 10, 2016. The concert was only for ensembles that got a one plus plus at the ensemble contest on Feb. 26, which was the highest score a group could receive.

“Sectionals first started after Christmas break,” freshman Jake Pool said. “We would come in before school every week for an hour to prepare for our ensembles.”

With the intense practicing for their ensemble contest, the band aimed for the opportunity to perform at the Chambers Contest and were successful. 

“I was very excited when I was told,” Pool said. “I felt like I was a part of something that was truly remarkable.”

Unlike a solo, ensembles require students to balance their sound with the other performers.

“The hardest part has to be focusing on fitting into the ensemble as a whole and doing our individual parts,” freshman Chloe Kokenes said.

Once the Eagles got past all the preparation, they made it to the exciting part: performing.

“I like the thrill of performing — being able to show how hard you’ve worked,” freshman Walker Santone said.

After performing, the band students were rewarded with donuts and had the opportunity to talk with friends and the audience.

“I loved the opportunity to listen to all of the players,” Pool said. “I thought it was truly remarkable how we are given time to make something and we make it beautiful. It’s not just music; it’s more of a passion because of the way students portray their parts.”

The directors expressed their pride in all the students that performed.

“I felt the concert went very well,” Head Director Kathy Johnson said. “It is always difficult to stand in front of an audience, no matter what the size. The students handled this like professionals — and from what I have heard from them, [they] enjoyed their performances.”

Not only were the directors proud of every band member, but they enjoyed watching the concert and listening to the beautiful music the students were creating.

“I like to see how they take charge and communicate non-verbally,” Johnson said. “Music is an art form that will be different with every performance. The students become more confident with each performance, and this allows that inner musical artistry to shine through.”