My region had UIL before spring break. Even though we have less time than other regions, I constantly monitor my band for signs of peaking or boredom. To combat that, I will change class up a bit by introducing post-UIL music for a brain break or I will invite people to come listen. Doing so creates an impromptu performance environment that puts a little more pressure on the kids.

Even this year, 3 days before UIL, I had a rehearsal where we didn’t even touch the music. We did spring concert music. I would never have done that in my earlier years because my thinking was that any day away would cause them to get worse. Now that I have implemented that more, I’ve flipped my thinking as my bands have demonstrated that a day away gives them a change that they often need to come back refreshed and focused.

Good luck!