With masterful performances, including the piece “Anhelos” by maestro Alfredo Gutiérrez and a medley by maestro Jorge Velosa, the UIS Symphonic Band proudly represented the University, Santander, and Colombia’s northeastern region.
“UIS, UIS, UIS!” echoed through the Valentín García Acoustic Shell in Paipa, Boyacá, when the jury of the 52nd National Music Band Competition announced that the Symphonic Band of the Industrial University of Santander (UIS) had won three awards at the country’s most important band competition.
Amid smiles, tears, and the satisfaction of receiving recognition after long hours of rehearsals and repertoire preparation, the 57 members of the UIS Symphonic Band celebrated an achievement that enriches their musical and educational journey and positions the University as an important benchmark in Colombia’s band movement.
The ensemble, conducted by Guillermo Gordillo Galán, professor at the School of Arts, and made up of students, faculty members, and alumni, competed in the “University Category” and received the following awards: First Place in the Category; Heritage Award; and Best Arrangement and Performance of the Tribute Piece “Anhelos.”
“Returning to Paipa after 12 years and achieving these awards is a recognition of the talent of our students, professors, and alumni, as well as of the University itself, which has believed in this project and in everything it represents academically and professionally for those who chose UIS as their institution for musical training. This is a giant step in the process, because the UIS Symphonic Band is beginning to make its mark and become a benchmark in the country’s band movement,” said conductor Gordillo Galán.
Katherine Pita, a Music Education student and saxophonist, expressed her excitement. Although she said she had not expected the result, “it was the result of a lot of hard work, rehearsal after rehearsal, and for many of us, it was the first time experiencing something like this. I’m extremely happy. Long live public education!”
Carlos Fernando Sanabria Sinuco, a trombone professor at the School of Arts, said that each of the awards reflects the effort the students have invested in the band. “It is something the students deserve, and that all of us professors deserve as well. This is the best thing that could have happened to the band.”
For her part, Paula Pinzón, a Music Education student and saxophonist, said she was very nervous during the competition performances, but “it was a new experience because most of us had never participated in an event like this before, and it was a great learning experience.”
Meanwhile, Juan Diego Hernández, a percussionist with the UIS Symphonic Band, highlighted the University administration’s support for participating in the competition. “I think it is very positive that the University supports its cultural groups, in this case the Symphonic Band, so that it can represent the northeastern region of Santander. I believe this should happen more often.”
After four performances during the competition—one before the jury at the Pablo Solano Auditorium; another during the parade through the main streets of Paipa; a third at the celebration held in the main park; and a final performance before the jury at the Valentín García Acoustic Shell—the UIS Symphonic Band delivered its best repertoire and demonstrated its professionalism before demanding jurors and audiences. This allowed the ensemble to return home with the joy of having been the best band in the 52nd edition of the National Music Band Competition.
