When the Martin Middle School advanced band traveled to the University of Alabama for a competition, it proved that it was truly superior.

The 50-member Martin Middle School advanced band performed in the Moody Music Building at the University of Alabama on Thursday, Feb. 24 and received a superior rating—the highest possible—at the Alabama Music Performance Assessment, claiming the Silver Cup award.

Les Boley, band director at Martin Middle School, said the band has been successful in past events, but this is the first band in the school’s history to receive the highest rating.

“We’ve been several times and we’ve made excellent (rating) a lot, but this was the first band that ever got superior,” Boley said. “I mean, wow. It’s just awesome. I love working with the kids here at Martin.”

The Alabama Music Performance Assessment is sponsored by the state of Alabama and is done in conjunction with the course of study for instrumental music education.

Bands are given three musical pieces to study for seven minutes in a sight room before performing in front of three state-certified judges.

The event measures bands against the course of study and gives them one of four ratings based how they perform: 1 for superior, 2 for excellent, 3 for good, and 4 for poor.

Boley said Martin performed so well, it surprised the judges a band with many students who were beginners little over a year ago could play so great.

“Once they (Martin band) got through sight reading the judge looked at me and said, ‘now you’re telling me a year ago these were beginners?,’ and I told him yes sir,” Boley said. “They rocked it out. They really did.”

Boley said the success of the band shows how great the children at Martin Middle School are, and the support of the faculty and staff has been great for the band program.