UIL Orchestra Contest FAQs

What is UIL?

UIL stands for University Interscholastic League, and is the organization that coordinates and legislates athletic, academic, and fine arts events in public schools in the state of Texas.  The "University" part of the title comes from the organization's home at the University of Texas in Austin.

For orchestra students that have played at least a year, UIL is a very important event in the spring that consists of two components: Concert and Sightreading. 

The Concert portion of UIL consists of a program of three pieces of music the students prepare and perform for three judges.  The judges are also orchestra directors in Texas.  Based on the quality of the performance, the judges assign a rating on this scale: 1= Superior, 2=Excellent, 3=Good, 4=Fair, 5=Poor.  Ratings of "1" receive an award; we strive for this goal.

In Sightreading, the students have 7 or 8 minutes to learn and perform a NEW piece of music for three judges.  They are not allowed to play out loud until the actual performance.  This serves as an evaluation of the students' overall musicianship.  The same rating scale from the Concert portion is used.

If an orchestra receives a rating of "1" in BOTH Concert and Sightreading, it is awarded a "Sweepstakes" trophy.  This is the highest honor an orchestra can receive at UIL.

Why is UIL such a big deal?

UIL serves as a concrete gauge of an orchestra's performance and learning process.  Some liken it to our version of the TAKS test; it is a statewide standard that is to be met.  Good UIL ratings are something that we can use to garner support for our programs.  C-FB ISD schools have high expectations for their fine arts programs, and UIL is something that must be done well.

What's with all the sectionals?  And what is a sectional, anyway?

Sectional rehearsals are for one section of an orchestra, e.g., Philharmonic violas or Symphonic cellos.  Practice time as a section leads to increased time spent on details specific to that instrument or section, and it also leads to more productive class rehearsals where EVERYONE is playing, not just one or two sections.  Because of the high expectations surrounding UIL, sectionals are vital.

Sectional attendance and participation receive a SUMMATIVE grade.  Attendance is mandatory.  TEA protects our right to give grades for work done outside of the school day, just like athletic practice.

When is UIL this year?

UIL will be March 12-13 at Marcus High School in Flower Mound.  We won't know the schedule until close to the contest date, but it is generally safe to assume that Philharmonic will perform on March 12, and Symphonic will perform on March 13.

Can parents go to UIL?

Absolutely!  We work very hard for UIL, and it usually ends up that only a handful of people are in the audience.  If you are available, PLEASE come and support your kids.  Parents are especially amazed by the sightreading process :).