By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–The Union City High School band program has garnered more than its fair share of awards over the years.
The latest of those honors has director Jason Deem beaming.
“This is really a big deal for our kids and our program,” Deem said after UC’s symphonic band won three awards in the annual West Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association competition at Lane College in Jackson recently.
“Our people went above and beyond in their performance and this is the first time we’ve received this lofty recognition.”
The UC contingent was just one of 45 bands in the competition to be so honored.
Among the awards won were:
- A superior rating based on performance and sight reading by the WTSBOA.
- A first-time ever award of Distinction for Concert Performance for receiving all superior ratings in event caption of concert performance from the American School Band Director Association (ASBDA). The honor, which was first given in 2015, will be presented by a member of the association at UC’s annual banquet or band supper.
- The Sweepstakes Award presented by the TBA (Tennessee Bandmaster Association). The honor is given to bands that exhibit excellence in both marching and concert and will be presented at the group’s annual conference in Nashville.
All bands performed before a panel of judges. Union City had worked on two songs for the competition since January, and the marching part of the performance was judged by the band’s performance at a competition at Middle Tennessee State University back in the fall.
“It’s just a monumental achievement for our kids, and certainly something that doesn’t come along for everyone who enters,” Deem added.
“We continue to be blessed with not only good kids, but also the support of our administration. It was a great day for Union City Schools and the Union City High School band.”