The sweet sounds of music have brightened spirits and won awards for students this fall.

In all areas of music, students have picked up accolades in various tournaments and contests, including orchestra, guitar, choir and marching band.

Choir teacher Catherine Ballard said she is proud to announce that Akins choir had three students make the Regional Choir, including Sarudzai Chigubu, Veronica Lopez, and Brittney Jackson.

Two of these three students, Chigubu and Lopez made it to Pre-Area, 2nd chair and a 3rd chair, respectively. Jackson, made it to Pre-Area as an alternate. Last year we only had one student make it to Pre-Area. These students also now have a shot at auditioning for All-State Choir.

Ballard said she is amazed by her students accomplishments.

“Making the Region Choir is the highest honor that a student can earn in our Region, and going on to participate in Pre-Area is a huge deal,” she said. “I’m incredibly proud of the students that made it all the way through, and also very proud of the students that worked hard, but didn’t quite make it this year.”

Orchestra and guitar teacher Paul Crockett also has something to brag about based on recent competition results.

He said three classical guitar students — Simon Carandang, Alisson Pasaol, and Oscar Avila — recently secured spots in the All Region Ensemble after they competed against 45 other area guitarists.

“I am happy and thankful to have the opportunity to play with some of the best guitarist in the district.” Carandang said “It still can’t beat playing with all my teammates; the Akins Eagle guitar ensemble”

Crockett said he is especially impressed because this year’s competition was held three weeks earlier than in previous years.

For the Orchestra, eight students auditioned for All-Region and a chance to record for AllState. Of those eight, two students make the Region Orchestra and three students qualify to record for State; Alyssa Pasaol (violin), Alisson Pasaol (cello), and Arantza Aurrecoechea (double bass).

In October, the Akins Eagle Band competed at the USBands Yamaha Cup preliminary competition, they competed against 32 other bands from all around Texas; ending up placing 10th overall. For the awards section of the preliminary round, Akins took home the following awards: best overall effect, best percussion and best color guard.

For the finals competition, the marching band ended up tying for sixth place. Band director Tate Fincher said the band worked for their success.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome,” he said.