The band competed in Region 23 Auditions Saturday, Dec. 10 with 33 students earning a place in Region Band and 12 students advancing to Area Auditions.

According to Wind Ensemble trombonist Diego Velaochega, the results are some of the “best this school has seen,” with multiple people earning first chair (the highest rank within an instrument section).

Some of those earning first chair include euphonium player Nilanjan Chowdhury, tenor saxophonist Andres Blanco, and percussionist Rachel Richards. Velaochega made Symphonic Winds, the highest ranking of the three region bands.

“I had been practicing for a while, so luckily my nerves didn’t get in the way of my playing,” Velaochega said. “Overall, I feel like I performed very well.”