The Godley High School Wind Ensemble was the featured high school group performing at the 12th Annual Tarleton Invitational Band Festival on March 7, 2023, at Tarleton State University in Stephenville.

Program selections for the performance at the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center were Torch of Liberty (Karl L. King), Glaciers (Scott Director), Imaginarium (Randall Standridge) and Fanfare Esprit (Carol Brittin Chambers).

“Our students rose to the challenge, adding in a fourth piece of music while preparing for their UIL concert and sightreading evaluation,” commented GHS band director Joe Walker. “I am blessed to have had the help of Ms. Slayton, Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Hancock every step of the way, lending their ears and expertise as the Wind Ensemble prepared for this performance.”

On Mar. 2, the Wind Ensemble earned Division I ratings for both stage and sightreading performances at the UIL competition.  Combined with the fall marching award, the ensemble achieved sweepstakes for the school year.  

Ensemble members are:  flute - Jocelyn Cecenas, Mia Currie, Hanah Morris, Julie Rocha, Shanaley Sandoval, Aiden Pate; clarinet - Alexis Jacobi, Ketrevian Adams, Hogan McFarland, Saul Valle; bass clarinet - Mario Olivares, Colten Moore; alto saxophone - Rafael Rojas, Iliana Villa; tenor saxophone - Briggs Flood; baritone saxophone - Josh Stacks; trumpet - Anson Fender, Gavin Jorgensen, Julia Roy, Hunter Griggs; French horn - Anthony Castillo; trombone - Josh Allen, Camden Flood, Raiden Gomez; euphonium - Dylan Dunn-Peacock, Jeremy Martinez; tuba - Hunter Hardin, Charles Pipes; percussion - Thomas Zach, Kannon Ward, Cooper Holzheuser, Angel Hornbeck, Emily Holton, Zackary Blincoe.

“I cannot thank our staff and the members of the Wind Ensemble for such a beautiful performance,” Walker said. “It was truly a wonderful event and a beautiful night of making music and creating lifelong memories.”

In addition to Walker, GHS band directors are Michelle Slayton, Grayson Hancock and David Kennedy.