On March 29th, the Wichita South High Symphonic Band attended District Common Assessments, otherwise known as DCA. Preparing two pieces of contrasting style, they performed at Wichita Heights High School before three highly esteemed judges, who are typically college and university band directors. At DCA, district schools -South being just one of numerous- receive numerical scores in nine categories: Tone, intonation, expression, technique, rhythmic accuracy, note accuracy, balance, blend, and stage presence. Those scores are then averaged into a final score rating:

I – Outstanding

II – Excellent 

III – Average

IV – Poor

V – Ineffective

After performing the two pieces they prepared in advance, they move into a second room where they are shown a completely new, never-before-seen, piece of music. Here, they’ll be judged on their sight reading; sight reading is how well they prepare and then perform a piece. With eight minutes to look through the piece, they are not permitted to play any notes whatsoever during this allotted time. After eight minutes, the band director is prohibited from coaching once they begin playing.

The Wichita South High Symphonic Band earned I’s in both overarching types: Sight reading and prepared pieces. Because of this achievement, the band will be presented with an Award of Excellence from the district. 

Photo by Anthony GM

When asked about how she felt about the South High band’s performance at DCA, Mrs. Brown, the Wichita South High band director, exclaimed that “I was very proud of how we did at DCA.” From other band students, this notion seemed to be the consensus. The band seemed to be on a high after an excellent performance at DCA. With the KSHSAA State Large Group Music Festival competition at East High School approaching quickly, varying emotions and feelings were swirling within the band, and Mrs. Brown expressed this concern, responding that she felt “a little of both [emotions]” when asked if she felt nervous or confident. 

However, it seems that she had no reason to be nervous. The KSHSAA State Large Group Music Festival is an event where students across the state play their prepared pieces for three acclaimed judges at Wichita East High School. Similar to District Common Assessments, or DCA, the same aforementioned rubric and rating scale are applied, though there is no sight reading. For the last three years, the Wichita South High Symphonic Band has received I’s, and this year was no different.

Congratulations to the Wichita South High Band for their astounding performances at DCA and KSHSAA State Large Group Music Festival this year! 

Photo by Abby

Background information via Mrs. Brown, Wichita South High Band Director