WGHS Intermediate and Advanced Bands Achieve Superior at LGPE 2026

After months of practicing and preparation, the WGHS intermediate and advanced bands performed at the Large Group Performance Evaluation (LGPE), and both earned superior ratings—the highest score a band can receive.
by Nevaeh Boyce

After months of practicing and preparation, the WGHS intermediate and advanced bands performed at the Large Group Performance Evaluation (LGPE), and both earned superior ratings-the highest score a band can receive.

Preparing for LGPE took a lot of dedication and determination from every member of the band. The students spent time practicing in class, after school, and at home to ensure their music sounded its best.

One of the band members, Cailey Smith, said she wasn’t completely surprised by the results because of how much work everyone put in. “I mean, I wasn’t too shocked because we practiced pretty hard and we 'locked in' during class,” Cailey said. She then added, “But I feel like always getting something good like that is always a good feeling.”

The band focused on many details while preparing for the performance. Cailey said that one of the challenges the band faced was balancing their sound and making sure everyone was playing together. “The challenges we really faced were balance, articulations, and not moving together,” Cailey stated. “We practiced really getting our eyes up and watching the conductor.”

Band members also spent time working in smaller groups and completing progress checks to improve their music. Madelynn Bernardo explained that the band used different rehearsal methods to get ready for the performance. “To get us prepared, we did sight-reading where you go through a bunch of different pieces,” Madelynn said. “Then, we went into small groups where each section practiced music. There were also after-school rehearsals and progress checks where we had to submit videos of us playing.”

Students say their band directors, Mrs. Merck and Mr. Woolfolk, played a big role in helping them succeed. The directors brought in guest directors and continued encouraging students throughout the process. “Mrs. Merck and Mr. Woolfolk didn’t give up on us; they’re very inspirational and motivational, and always willing to help you.”

For many students, hearing the final results was an unforgettable moment. Zoe McCornell said the announcement felt both exciting and surprising. “It felt very exciting and surreal,” McCornell said. “Once we heard from Mrs. Merck saying we got superior, it was like a relief knowing we actually achieved something.”

Kaitlyn Fields also said that the superior rating reflected all the effort the band put into preparing. “Earning a superior rating shows that we’re hardworking and we’re not going to give up,” Kaitlyn said.

In the end, the superior ratings proved that all the long rehearsals, progress checks, and extra practice were worth it. After all their hard work, the students proved that dedication and teamwork can lead to great results.