Leander High School's online student-run newspaper

The Roar
Leander High School's online student-run newspaper

The Roar
Leander High School's online student-run newspaper

The Roar
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Symphonic Wind Ensemble completes first UIL full run

by Ari Tower, Editor
February 11, 2026

Parents and students were invited to the band hall today as the first live audience to the Symphonic Wind Ensemble’s full run through of their UIL program. The performance included three songs and donuts in the end.

Leading off the wind symphonic ensemble, sophomore Eli Jozwiak plays the opening notes of “Dusk.” The song, Assistant Band Director Michael Swiren said, is meant to be reminiscent of a sunset.
Sophomore Charles Lyman performs the French horn part of “Children’s March” by Percy Major.
Freshman Elijah Harris plays staccato notes to build the base of Percy Major’s “Children’s March.”
Sophomore and flutist Leia Shoffit weaves her delicate tune into the ensemble’s performance of “Dusk.”
Assistant Band Director Michael Swiren offers donuts to six of his students, each of who completed additional assignments while he was absent. Treats are offered regularly in return for running through scales and other practices.
After the audience’s applause, junior Makena Hunt smiles to herself at her band director’s offer of donuts.
Junior Nic Lawson plays trombone in the Symphonic Wind Ensemble’s rendition of “Strange Humor.” Despite a couple stumbles and restarts, Swiren said this was “a band favorite.”
After the final note of “Children’s March,” a parent spectator applauds. “Concert band can be less visible [now] than in the fall when we perform weekly at games and contests,” assistant director Michael Swiren said. “This is our way of showing everyone the prep that goes into our spring semester.”

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About the Contributor
Ari Tower
In her third year on staff, Ari is two years the editor of the LHS Roar, and is otherwise involved in UIL academics and plays piano in her own band. She loves to read, write and make jewelry and she hopes to pursue journalism and keep bees in her future.