Practice makes perfect is a sentiment people don’t often believe in, but two students have shown that it holds true. The two students achieved a perfect score at the regional solo and small ensemble competition for band. In band, a performance is judged on a scale from 1-5 with one being the best possible score. It has become common for many buffaloes to get a one at competitions and this year is no different. Luis Martinez, trade senior, and Angel Robledo-Solorzano, arts & comm. Junior, both achieved a perfect score of 80/80 at their most recent competition.

“It was shocking when I found out,” Robledo said. “As a performer you nitpick every little mistake you made so I did not expect it.”

Despite the shock to Robledo, his band teacher, Ryan Partin, knew the score was earned.

“I am always using those two as examples for the class,” Partin said. “They are always here practicing and asking for feedback and now it’s paid off for them.”

Practice makes perfect is the best way to summarize the event for these two boys.

“I haven’t always done great at competitions,” Martinez said. “But I have just been putting in the work, practicing two hours a day and that’s what I’m going to keep doing. My goal is to get a one at state.”

The band has a state competition coming up on March 25. The band will take the feedback from this competition to improve for the tougher judges.

“All of it just kind of reaffirms what we’ve been doing,” Partin said. “Having so many go to state and the two with perfect scores just shows that all the practices, routines, and work ethics have paid off.” 

Robledo has been honing his craft for seven years, starting in 5th grade. With all that time comes a lot of practice and routine.

“For me, I like to start slow,” Robledo said. “Especially with a tough piece like the one I chose to perform, it’s important to get a good feel for it and listen to some of the professionals play it. For state, I want to fix some of those little  mistakes I made. I also like to get what I want in my head and see my goal.”

State is a very important opportunity for Robledo and a good chance for his hard work to be shown.

“I always want to tell a story with my music,” Robledo said, “It’s special to finish performing and look up to see judges tearing up, it tells me that my music said something. A big part of why I joined band was to express myself  so it’s great to finally have other people see that and feel my music.”