• Cheuk N. - Horn
• Jordan N. - Alto Saxophone
• Ryan T. - Tenor Trombone

Ensembles

• Trombone Quartet: Anthony B., Joshua M., Tyler P., Ryan T.
• Saxophone Quartet: Adam C., Courtney K., Shani N., Emily P.

• Evan O. - Keyboard Percussion
• Joann P. - Keyboard Percussion

Cougar Jazz, Concert and Symphonic Bands earn high marks at April concert contests
posted 04/20/2005

Palo Alto College was the setting for the Palo Alto Jazz Band Festival on Saturday, April 9, where the Clark Jazz Band competed in its first competition for the 2004-2005 school year. Clark's musicians made an outstanding showing at the event, performing their way to the competition's highest honor: Best Overall Ensemble. Additionally, Outstanding Solo awards went to Mark R. on drum set, Katrina W. on congas, Joshua M. and Ryan T. on trombone, and the trumpet section.

The following week, on April 14 and 15, the Clark Concert Bands competed in the annual UIL Region 11 5A Concert and Sightreading Contest at Warren High School. This year's event marked a milestone for Clark, as this was the first year Clark sent all three of its concert bands to the contest.

All three Clark Bands garnered outstanding results: The A-3 Concert Band (Sub Non-Varsity) received an "Excellent" rating in both concert and sightreading. The A-2 Symphonic Band (Non-Varsity) was awarded straight first division "Superior" ratings, earning a Sweepstakes award for the second year in a row. The A-1 Symphonic Band (Varsity) also received straight first division "Superior" ratings, earning its 26th consecutive Sweepstakes award.

Congratulations to all of our students for their achievements and the hard work and dedication that went into making these achievements possible!

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Cougar Band students earn nearly 100 medals at UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest
posted 03/01/2005

Congratulations to all who earned 1st Division (Superior) ratings for their solo and/or ensemble performances at the 2005 UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest. A total of 58 Clark solos and ensembles received Superior ratings, resulting in approximately 95 medals awarded to Cougar Band students. The contest was held February 17 at Clark High School.

In addition, 25 Cougar Band musicians qualified to advance to the 2005 Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest, scheduled for May 28 and 30 at the University of Texas in Austin.

Students and performances earning 1st Division ratings are listed below.  A * identifies those eligible for the state-level contest.

Woodwind Solos

Woodwind Ensembles

* Saxophone Quartet: Adam C., Courtney K., Shani N., Emily P.
* Saxophone Quartet: Luke D., Mike H., Will H., Michael L.
   Flute, Oboe, Clarinet Trio: Augustin G., Chris O., Elsa P.

Brass Solos

Brass Ensembles

* Trombone Quartet: Anthony B., Joshua M., Tyler P., Ryan T.
  Trumpet Trio: Jordan J., Brent P., Kelly S.

 Percussion Solos (All Keyboard Percussion)

 Percussion Ensembles

* Percussion Ensemble: Mark B., Victor E., Nathan L., Joann P., Mark R., Max R., Katrina W., Sarah S.

  Percussion Ensemble: Cameron A., Robert D., Curtis H., Anthony M., Evan O’ C., Lorenzo P., Kevin S., 
  Michael W.

  Percussion Ensemble: Julian C., Joshua D., Allan J., Sheng L., Alejandro L., Obi O., John R., Deshmesh S.,
  Allen V., Kristina Y., Daniel Z.

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One brass, one woodwind musician from Clark earn Texas All-State honors
posted 01/08/2005

Two Cougar Band students have achieved positions in the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) 2005 All-State Band/Orchestra.

Anthony B., a senior, and Matt M., a junior, earned All-State musician honors by placing first chair on bass trombone and contrabass clarinet, respectively, at the TMEA Area E auditions held Saturday, January 8, at Judson High School.

“Relieved” is how Matt summarized his reaction to seeing his first-chair posting at the auditions. “When you’ve put so much work into this, and then you make All-State, it’s such a great relief,” he said.

The distinction of All-State musician is the highest honor a high school band or orchestra student can achieve on an individual level in the state of Texas.

“Oh, man, I was really excited to make it,” said Anthony. "I reached my goal. I worked for it all year, and being my senior year, it was my last chance. I was speechless.”

For their accomplishments, Anthony and Matt earned the opportunity to participate in the 2005 TMEA All-State Convention and Concerts to be held February 9-12 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in downtown San Antonio. This annual event is one of the most highly regarded music education and performance conventions in the nation.

Congratulations to Anthony and Matt, and their families!

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33 Cougar Band musicians earn All-Region Band honors, 20 qualify for Area
posted 12/13/2004

Thirty-three musicians from the Clark Cougar Band have earned the distinction of being named to the 2004-2005 All-Region Band for Texas Region 11. These students earned the honor by achieving top chairs at the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-Region Band auditions, held December 10-11 at Southwest High School.

Additionally, 20 of Clark’s 33 All-Region musicians qualified to advance to the TMEA Area auditions, which serve as the screening process for the TMEA All-State Bands and Orchestras. The Area E competition, which brings together Regions 11, 12, and 23, is scheduled for January 8, 2005, at Judson High School.

All-Region and Area qualifiers from the Cougar Band are as follows:

“I was blown away by the outcome,” said Clark band director Charles Kuentz. “To have 33 students from one school make All-Region and 20 qualify for Area is an exceptional feat that far exceeded our expectations. Marc (Telles) and I are really proud of the kids for their commitment to preparing for this event.”

Of Clark’s 33 regional qualifiers, 22 earned chairs in the first (symphonic) band, and 11 placed in the second (concert) band.  All of these students will participate in a clinic on Friday-Saturday, January 21-22, 2005, at Taft High School, which will culminate in a concert on Saturday afternoon.

“The best part of this whole audition process for us as band directors is seeing the looks on the students’ faces after learning their results. They are so happy, just beaming with pride. It is a great feeling to see that,” said Mr. Kuentz.

*Joshua will not attend the Area competition due to his current All-State Jazz status.

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Six Cougar Band students earn All-Region Orchestra honors, four qualify for Area
posted 11/10/04

Six Cougar Band musicians have earned placement in the 2004-2005 Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-Region Orchestra for Region 11, with four qualifying for advancement to Area:

Anthony B. – 1st chair, Bass Trombone - Area qualifier
Joshua M. – 1st chair, Tenor Trombone - Area qualifier*
Jasmine D. - 2nd chair, Trumpet - Area qualifier
Ben S. – 2nd chair, Bassoon - Area qualifier
Joanne P. – 3rd chair, Percussion
Mark R. - 4th chair, Percussion

The orchestra auditions for wind instruments and percussion were held Tuesday, November 9, at John Jay High School. All regional qualifiers will perform in the 2004-2005 Region 11 Orchestra concert to be held Saturday, November 20 at Clark High School.

Area E auditions for Orchestra and Band are scheduled for January 8, 2005, at Judson High School. These annual auditions provide Area qualifiers from Regions 11, 12 and 23 the opportunity to compete for All-State honors.

The chance for a bid at the state’s most prestigious honor for high school musicians did not come without sacrifice for Clark senior trumpet player Jasmine D.

“I wanted an Area spot so badly that I set aside things I love, like playing on the basketball team, to prepare for this,” she said. “I went into the audition very focused, and I’m very happy I made second chair.”

Congratulations to all of the Cougar Band students who worked hard to prepare for this competition!


*Due to Joshua’s current All-State Jazz Ensemble status, he will not compete at Area. Under TMEA rules, a student may compete at multiple region-level competitions but may not hold multiple All-State honors in a single school year.

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Cougar Band trombonist earns top chair in All-State Jazz Ensemble
posted 11/08/04

Cougar Band senior Joshua M. has earned the distinction of placing first chair on tenor trombone in the 2004-2005 Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Jazz Ensemble.

Regional qualifiers from all Texas regions performed and submitted professionally recorded auditions for TMEA’s state-level judging following their respective All-Region Jazz Ensemble auditions in September. Results were announced November 8.

“When I first found out, it felt so surreal--like a dream,” Joshua said. “I’d worked so hard for this, but it was still a shock.”

An All-State distinction is the highest honor a high school musician can achieve on an individual level in Texas. It is the first such honor for Joshua, who credits lessons learned from his previous year’s audition for his success in 2004.

“I was more determined this year,” he said. “Sure, I practiced more, but I focused on the areas where I needed improvement and worked on fixing the details by following the examples of professionals.”

For his accomplishment, Joshua has earned the privilege to participate in the 2005 TMEA All-State Clinic, Convention, and Concerts to be held February 9-12, 2005, at San Antonio's Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. The annual event is one of the most highly regarded music education and performance conventions in the nation.

As he looks ahead to more performance competitions this school year, Joshua isn’t taking anything for granted.

"I have to keep working harder to reach another goal,” he said. “This isn’t the end of the stretch.”

Congratulations to Joshua and his parents, Bonnie and David!

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Cougar Band earns 1st Division at UIL Marching Contest, advances to Area competition
posted 10/16/04

An ecstatic Clark Cougar Marching Band left Southwest I.S.D. Stadium with a 1st Division trophy for its “Energy in Blue” performance at the 2004 University Interscholastic League (UIL) Region 11 Marching Contest, held Saturday, October 16.

This is the 26th consecutive year the Cougar Band has achieved a Division I ("Superior") evaluation, the highest rating possible, at the annual contest.

“Everyone did a great job preparing for today,” said Charles Kuentz, head director of the Cougar Band. “Mr. Telles and I want to thank all the parents, seniors, section leaders and drum majors who gave us the extra push to put us over the top.”

The Division I rating qualifies the Cougar Band to participate in the UIL Area E Marching Contest, held every other year for Class 5A bands. The 2004 contest is scheduled for Monday, October 25 at Comalander Stadium in San Antonio’s Blossom Athletic Center.

At the Area E competition, qualifying Class 5A bands from Regions 11, 12 and 23 compete for advancement to the UIL State Marching Contest. The number of bands certified to advance to the State contest will be determined according to the UIL Area-State Scoring and Advancement Procedures for Marching Band.

With Area just over a week away, the Cougar Band looks forward to vigorous rehearsals to take “Energy in Blue” to the next level.

”Now the work really begins,” Mr. Kuentz said.

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Cougar Band, Color Guard, Drum Majors score big at Harlandale Marching Contest
posted 10/09/04

The Cougar Marching Band brought home three trophies for its “Energy in Blue” performance at the 3rd Annual Harlandale Marching Festival, held Saturday, October 9, at Harlandale Memorial Stadium.

For Overall Performance in the 5A-band category, the Cougar Band placed 3rd, while the Clark color guard and drum major team of Bryan G., Emily P. and Conner McD took the highest honors in their respective categories: Outstanding Guard and Outstanding Drum Majors.

Head drum major Bryan G. expressed his pride over the teamwork he said contributed to Clark's successful contest results.

“Emily, Conner and I set a goal at the beginning of the season to win best drum major honors at a competition,” Bryan said. “We knew if we worked hard and gave it our all, we could do it.”

“We’re very, very proud of the whole band and the guard," he added. "Everyone has been working really hard this season.”

Great job, Cougar Band!

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Six Cougar Band students earn spots in All-Region Jazz Ensemble, vie for State
posted 9/18/04

Cougar Band musicians captured six chair positions in the 2004-2005 Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-Region Jazz Ensemble for Region 11 at auditions held Saturday, September 18, at Clark High School. Pictured below (left to right, top row first), they are:

“It feels great,” beamed Clark senior Anthony B. after learning he made first chair on bass trombone. This was the first year he competed in the jazz track of the TMEA contests.

The six regional qualifiers from Clark and those from other participating schools will perform as an assembled unit in a concert scheduled for Saturday, November 13, at O' Connor High School.

These students also earned the privilege to audition for the 2004-2005 TMEA All-State Jazz Ensemble. At the conclusion of the regional auditions, they each performed a second audition which was professionally recorded for submission to the state-level judging.

According to Cougar Band director Charles Kuentz, the Jazz Ensemble competition is one of the most prestigious contests available to high school musicians in Texas.

“Only 20 musicians are selected for each region’s ensemble, and subsequently only 20 students statewide can earn a spot in the All-State Jazz Ensemble,” Mr. Kuentz said. “So this is a very select group.”

For Clark tenor saxophone player Adam C., a senior, steadfast determination played a key role in his success at the regional auditions.

“I tried out last year and didn’t make it,” Adam said while warming up for his recording session. “This was my last chance, so I worked a lot harder and was much more consistent in my practicing.”

He added, “I’m a little nervous about the state audition, but I’ll just do my best.”

Results of the state judging will be announced in early November.

Congratulations, Derek, Adam, Anthony, Conner, Joshua and Ryan!
 

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Cougar Band Feature Twirler scores top rating at UIL Solo & Ensemble
posted 9/11/04