Geneva School of Boerne Band Director Daniel DeSalles and Assistant Band Director Erin Thomas traveled with the San Antonio Brass Band (SABB) to participate in the third annual Texas Brass Festival on March 22. Seven bands from Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas performed for three adjudicators who scrutinized performances and provided scores and feedback. While the band did not land one of the top two spots for a trophy, both DeSalles and Thomas were individually recognized as “Outstanding Soloists” from all judges.
Thomas is the principal cornet of the San Antonio Brass Band, a position commonly known as the “hot seat” for its numerous and difficult solos in addition to an already challenging part. DeSalles and two other Boerne educators comprise the percussion section, and their stellar musicianship prompted the judges to recognize the entire section at the festival.
DeSalles and Thomas followed this contest with a successful trip to Waco with Geneva’s Rhetoric Band students where the students placed third overall at the TAPPS 4A State Competition. Then, in early April, the two educators traveled with the SABB to Fort Wayne, Indiana, to compete in the North American Brass Band Championships where 40 bands competed, representing cities across the United States and Canada. Once again, DeSalles and Thomas performed for an audience as well as three adjudicators who carefully scored and ranked them against seven other bands in their section. The SABB earned third place, narrowly missing the bands who tied for first and second places by just .3 points.
“Every member of our band put in countless hours of personal practice, months of rehearsals and personal expense to achieve this result. I could not be more proud of how we played and represented the San Antonio and Hill Country communities. Preparing, performing and competing at the highest musical level helps to make us better educators. I don’t believe it is common for teachers to directly relate to what they are encouraging their students to achieve by being active performers and competitors themselves!” Thomas said.