The John B. Alexander High School (AHS) Honors Wind Ensemble has made school and UISD history following a groundbreaking achievement at the 2025 University Interscholastic League (UIL) State Wind Ensemble Festival.
This prestigious Spring event brought together top student musicians from across Texas to perform for an elite panel of adjudicators, including directors of collegiate ensembles. During the festival, the AHS Honors Wind Ensemble delivered an extraordinary performance, showcasing three masterfully executed selections that left the judges in awe.
In a truly historic and unprecedented move, every single student in the ensemble was awarded the UIL Outstanding Soloist Award, a recognition traditionally reserved for individual performers who demonstrate exceptional musicality, technical mastery, and expressive command. This marks the first time in the UISD Fine Arts Department history that the honor has been awarded collectively to an entire ensemble, and the first such instance in nearly a decade at this particular UIL festival.
“This unprecedented decision by the festival to give the Outstanding Soloist Award to every member of our ensemble completely caught us by surprise,” said Joshua Martinez, AHS Head Band Director. “Normally, only a few individuals or sections are selected for this recognition. But the panel felt the performance was so powerful, so precise, and at such a high level, that it could only be honored collectively. It hasn’t happened since 2016, and we are incredibly proud.”
For senior Angel Ramos, AHS Percussion Captain, the recognition was both a personal dream and a team triumph. “I felt extremely excited. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Ramos. “I’ve always wanted this, so achieving it made me feel incredibly happy.” He described the moment they learned about the award:
“We were in the clinic after our performance when Mr. Martinez told us we had all earned the award. It was just amazing!” Ramos adds that the entire group jumped with excitement and began cheering following this amazing news.
Angel Ramos, Percussion Captain pictured with AHS drumline.
Michael Robledo, AHS sophomore trumpet player and band librarian, highlighted the discipline it took to reach this level. “It’s a lot of hard work and dedication. We’re here every morning practicing, working with our sections, always pushing toward these competitions,” he said.
The UIL State Wind Ensemble Festival is one of the highest honors in Texas music education, spotlighting the state’s finest student musicians. The achievement by John B. Alexander High School sets a new bar, not just for the district, but for the state. “Every year we’ve had a handful of students earn this medal, but to achieve this as a full ensemble speaks volumes about our students’ talent and teamwork,” added Martinez. “It is a victory for our school community and a celebration of the transformative power of music education.”
A special UIL State Medal Award Ceremony was held on campus for the Honors Ensemble where they were congratulated for their tremendous efforts by band leaders, AHS principal, Rosana Arizola, their middle school former band directors and UISD Fine Arts Director, Gerardo Rodriguez. “When something like this happens, it’s a testament to the amazing work that you all are doing, your directors, your feeder programs and the support you have from our district,” Rodriguez said as he spoke to the students. “I’m always blown away by the things you all are doing and I can’t wait to see what you all do next.”
AHS Band Directors
United ISD proudly congratulates the John B. Alexander Honors Wind Ensemble for this historic accomplishment and commends the students, directors, and families whose dedication made it possible. This moment reflects the district’s strong commitment to excellence in fine arts and to providing students with opportunities that inspire lifelong success.
To view and enjoy the state-winning concert program selections click on the links below:
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