On Sat. Feb. 4, over 90 guitar students entered the UIL Solo & Ensemble competition held at Tompkins High School. Bellaire collected a total of 17 gold medals, 21 silver medals, and 19 bronze. Students performed solos, or played in trios and quartets.

Senior Valen Johnson played both a solo and with a quartet. He explained how he prepared to perform the pieces.

“Usually we start learning the piece three or four months beforehand,” Johnson said. “It takes about two or three hours of practice per day to get it down before UIL comes around.”

Johnson first began playing three years ago when he joined the school’s guitar program. For his solo, he played “Un Dia de Noviembre”. He received a gold medal, which is given to students who receive a score of 1, the highest score, the lowest being 5. Johnson described the obstacles he overcame while rehearsing.

“Most of the challenges I faced during practicing were just needing to practice one part of it over and over and over again,” Johnson said.

Guitar teacher Edward Grigassy explained how he helped his students rehearse for UIL.

“We had students play together as a class whenever possible,” Grigassy said. “Then, they played their piece individually for us as teachers, and then we had students play for the class before they went to UIL.”

Johnson played “Pathetique” in a quartet, which received a score of 1 as well. Senior Stephanie Vazquez was also a part of the quartet with Johnson, and played a solo as well. Vazquez recounted why competing in UIL was important to him.

“When I first played for UIL last year I didn’t consider myself good at guitar until I got a 1,” Vazquez said. “After that I started playing more and taking it more seriously.”

Grigassy described how UIL helped guitar students improve their skills outside of regular class.

“UIL gives them a goal, it gives them something to work for,” Grigassy said. “They have to practice to do it, it’s not something that becomes automatic for any student. This is something that takes effort, attention, and practice.”

Johnson and Vazquez will both advance to state along with other gold medalists. The Texas State Solo and Ensemble contest for guitar will be held on Saturday, May 27 at the University of Texas at Austin.