Competition is hanging in the air, through the tireless talents of these four teams: band, orchestra, theatre and choir. Over the past few months, these groups have put in weeks worth of effort in order to compete and win at the various tiers of UIL competition.

AHS theatre, for example, began work on their one-act play, “The Miss Firecracker Contest”, back in January. Every day for three hours at a time, the company prepared for this big event. Their hard work and dedication has paid off; they were one of three teams to advance from district to bi-district two weeks ago and this week they advanced to the area round of competition. Part of this company includes junior Caitlin McMasters, who played the star role. McMasters won the award for Best Actress at the district UIL competition.

“Everyone just felt really prepared because we had been working on this for three months,” McMasters said. “It’s taught me to be a lot more responsible and plan ahead,” she said.

The choir’s UIL season is on the horizon as well, with their first pre-UIL competition just next week. Built up with various members in Chorale, A Capella and Chamber groups, this organization’s determination is strong. A lot preparation and rehearsals go towards the various events such as sight reading.

“We’ve actually been working on some of our UIL pieces since the fall, which is pretty strategic,” junior Hannah Flenniken said.

Recently, all five of the AHS orchestras won superior sweepstakes at the UIL competition.

“We’re held to such high standards,” senior Baylee Higginbotham said. “It’s taught me discipline and motivation.”

Band has especially put in a lot of effort since they have two UIL competitions throughout the year,  with their rehearsal schedule dating back to summer vacation and nearly every day after school. They are currently preparing for concert UIL.

“My life has been seventy percent school and thirty percent band,” percussion player and sophomore Jack Driscoll said. “It’s pretty dedicated.”

Although each of these programs are highly differentiated in their goals, they are united in their hard work, fervor and dedication to excellence.