The band, under the direction of Jim Rhodes, earned top honors Wednesday at the  University Interscholastic League Class 1A Concert Competition at Crane High School.

Forsan earned Division I ratings (the highest possible) in both concert and sight-reading to earn Sweepstakes honors from the UIL.

This marks the 10th year in a row FHS has won Sweepstakes.

“It’s fun to say we’ve had a decade of sweepstakes,” Rhodes said. This is very, very rewarding, not just for me, but for the program, as well.”

Rhodes said credit must be placed squarely where it is due.

“The kids did a tremendous job,” he said. “They wanted to finish the year on a strong note and they did. They really took care of business.”

The band has redefined what it means to “take care of business” during the past 12 months. In that time, it has firmly established itself as the best Class 1A band in Texas, winning both the state UIL marching contest and the Texas Music Educators Association State Honor Band competition.

Rhodes admitted it has been one amazing ride for him and the band.

“It’s absolutely a dream. It’s been an awesome year,” he said. “It’s one of the years that you dream of having at some stage of your career but almost always don’t have ... Words can’t describe how happy I am.”

Contact Staff Writer Steve Reagan at 263-7331, ext. 234 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it