Cougars Strike Gold: A First That Hits All the Right Notes

The Pietzsch-MacArthur Band made history after earning straight Division 1 ratings from all judges at a recent UIL competition, securing its first-ever sweepstakes award.

Under the direction of Jeremy Gordon, students delivered a performance that reflected months of preparation, resilience, and commitment. The achievement marks a major milestone not only for Gordon, who is in his 23rd year as a director, but also for the campus, making it the first time the Pietzsch-MacArthur program has reached this level of success.

“This moment represents everything our students have worked for,” Gordon said. “For me, this historic moment showed that our students are capable of great things, and I'm extremely proud of their commitment to excellence!!  Our students are resilient, dedicated, and highly educated, and this feat just demonstrated that fact to the region, district, and community.  This fact is already known by every teacher, administrator, and employee who walks the halls of PMAC's campus.  Our students truly are amazing and capable of achieving anything they put their minds to!!”

Leading up to the competition, students dedicated countless hours to after-school rehearsals while overcoming challenges along the way. Their focus and determination paid off as they delivered a performance that earned top marks across the board.

For students, the moment was both rewarding and unforgettable.

“I feel so proud and excited to be a part of the band group, especially knowing we just made school history, and honestly, it's an unforgettable moment, “ shared 8th grade clarinetist Ashley Castillo. “All the long practices, hard work, and dedication were really worth it, and it feels amazing to know that we got all 1’s at UIL. It's a special moment I'll always remember.  I'm also really grateful for my bandmates and our band director because we all encouraged each other to do our best.”

As the Pietzsch-MacArthur Cougars celebrate this historic win, their success stands as a reminder of what is possible when preparation meets belief.