Band tunes up for UIL marching contest

Ozona—The Ozona High School (OHS) marching band officially kicked off its season last week, performing at the Concho Classic Pre-UIL Marching Contest on Oct. 11.
Under the direction of Band Director Vincent Delvecchio, the OHS band is preparing for its upcoming UIL competition season with a show inspired by Australia and featuring the 1980s hit “Down Under” by Men at Work.
“I picked a few songs that I really liked and [could] imagine a concept for,” Delvecchio said. “I played them for the band last year and from [their] reactions, Down Under was the one they liked the most.”
Adapting Each Season
Delvecchio said each marching season brings a unique set of challenges and opportunities depending on the students in the program.
“I don't often compare the program from one season to the next because the makeup of the bands can be wildly different,” he said. “I may graduate a large amount of students and have to train a whole new batch of leaders or reassign students to different instruments. Students who do return have a lot to offer the program. They develop skills that are vital in keeping the band running smoothly.”
Upperclassmen often step into leadership roles to help guide younger members.
“I leverage any students who audition for the drum major for leadership positions the following year,” Delvecchio said. “Often, the upper classman lead by example. I'll ask the upper classmen to take some extra roles and act in the service of the program. I have students take on other roles such as loading trailers, checking everyone's uniforms, or managing the equipment crew.”
Student Leadership
This year’s drum majors are senior Camille Sifuentes and sophomore Ori Patel.
“I look at all my band classmates, take a deep breath, and I'm okay,” Sifuentes said.
“I show up with a smile every day,” Patel said.
The percussion section, led by junior Grace Upham, provides the rhythm that drives the group.
“We're the beat of the band in percussion, so that makes us special,” Upham said.
After their recent performance at the San Angelo Classic Pre-UIL Marching Contest, the band will take the field again at the UIL Region Marching Contest on Oct. 18 at San Angelo Stadium.
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