Texas State Solo “Outstanding Performer” Daniel Mauldin, a recent graduate of Sundown High School and euphonium player in the Roughneck Band, has been named a 2026 Outstanding Performer following his solo performance at the Texas UIL State Solo-Ensemble Contest.
Daniel Mauldin, a recent graduate of Sundown High School and euphonium player in the Roughneck Band, has been named a 2026 Outstanding Performer following his solo performance at the Texas UIL State Solo-Ensemble Contest on Memorial Day weekend.
This is the highest individual honor for a student musician at the state level.
Of the approximately 100,000 students participating in the regional UIL music contests and the thousands of musicians who performed at the state contest, only about 2% of the solo performances earn the distinguished honor of being recognized as an Outstanding Performer.
These honorees receive gold medals as the recipients of the Outstanding Performer award, which represents “the attainment by an individual of superior musicianship,” according to the UIL.
In order to be selected for this award, students first must qualify for the state solo-ensemble contest by receiving a superior rating at the region level. After the conclusion of the state competition, each solo judge may designate exemplary soloists as Outstanding Performers.
Mauldin is enrolled at West Texas A&M University this coming fall and will major in music education.
Overall, the Sundown Roughneck Band came home from the state contest with an impressive six state medals for First Division.
Brass Quintet – Division 1 (Superior). Members of the quintet include Serenity Mulloy, cornet, Bailey Corley, cornet, Ryder Stanley, horn, Lincoln Keesler, trombone, and Daniel Mauldin, tuba.
Euphonium Solo – Division 1 (Superior). Daniel Mauldin.
Percussion Ensemble – Division II (Excellent). Carrigan Dietz, Kadyn Belew, JC Jenkins, Darby Bussel, Karter Hord, Ryder Bufe, Kobe Hogan, Raegan Reynolds and Stellan Sanders.