BOONE, Iowa—The Boone Middle School Band, Choir, and Orchestra hosted a Solo and Ensemble Contest on Saturday., February 9th. Students performed as a soloist or part of a small ensemble for a judge, who gave them feedback and a rating.
Choir Results
Students performed solos and small group selections for our judges and received ratings based on their performances. Vocal students received 6 I+’s (Superior rating), 9 I’s (Excellent rating), 4 I-‘s (Good rating) and 5 II’s (Developing). Several students were selected as Best of Center by the judge. BMS 8th graders Elsie Alexander and Ashton Thilges, Sacred Heart 8th grader Lexi Gradoville and BMS 7th grader Halle Heyer were all selected for their performances.
Orchestra Results
Our students did a great job preparing and handling such a high pressure performance! The judges were very impressed with their abilities. Special congratulations to Adelynn Bailey who received “Best in Center” for orchestra!
Band Results
Band students with top honors from the middle school solo and ensemble contest were the 7th grade percussion ensemble featuring Sophi Squibb, Albert Ady, Lily Ferguson, Wesley Baber and Wyatt Sharp. 8th grade trombonist Tyler Halber was named best in center for his solo and Jacie Flockhart and Elsie Alexander were named best in center honorable mention for their flute and alto saxophone solos.
Also receiving I+ ratings were: Hannah Chesnut, trumpet solo; Alexis Gradoville, flute solo; Kylie Mackie, clarinet solo; Maggie Johnston, alto saxophone solo; Maddilyn Smith, trumpet solo; Alex Cunningham, mallet solo; Madox Kilgore-Reed, mallet solo; 8th grade clarinet ensemble, 7th grade woodwind ensemble, 7th grade brass ensemble, 7th grade all small group ensemble.
Amanda Cunningham, Choir Teacher:
“I’m very proud of how the students have grown as musicians during the time we
have been preparing for contest. Students had to work a lot on their own this year
because of all of the weather related interruptions to school and I am so impressed
with how many students pushed themselves to work on their songs outside of the
school day. Performing in small groups and alone is very stressful and I am so very
proud of how composed and professional the students were during their
performances!”
Rose Kundel, Band Teacher:
“I am proud of the students’ hard work in preparing for and performing in
contest. This day demonstrated how musicians have two roles: to be part of
an ensemble and to also be a solid individual player. Students are better
because of this experience and we plan on using what we learned to fuel the
remainder of the year in band!”
Ben Henson Orchestra Teacher :
“This is such an important event for students.
Not only have they become better musicians, but they have also conquered
performance anxiety and are prepared for whatever high pressure situation life
throws their way! Congratulations to all students!”
(contributed article and photos, BCSD)
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