To qualify, students must perform a class I solo by memory for a judge at the region solo and ensemble contest and receive a “1” rating (the highest). Class I solos are the highest level of difficulty on the Texas Prescribed Music List, which are all college-level solos (at least) and many of which are standard repertoire for professional classical musicians.
Arnst sang “Heiden-Röslein” by Schubert at Region 14 Solo & Ensemble Contest (Vocal) at TAMU in Kingsville on Feb. 7 to earn her “1”.
Receiving a first division for a choral class II solo were Cami Hunter, Bianca Briseno, Darla Rocha, Nikki Pullin, Angel Smith, Raquel Mendez, and Amy Woodward. Earning a second division rating for a class 2 solo were Veronica Yzagguire and Brandon Jarrett.
Chorale Director, Cindy Hessong said, “I am extremely proud of the efforts of these students. With the exception of Krissy, this was the first time that any of them have sung for a judge and they all did an outstanding job.”
The instrumental portion of the contest took place again at Kingsville on Feb. 20, where Jacob Carvajal played “Impromptu & Danse” by Bozza on alto saxophone. This is the second year in a row that Carvajal has qualified for state.
Nine other band students performed solos at Region 14 Solo & Ensemble Contest. They were Michelle Ogo (flute), Adrianna Sulaica (French horn), Dustin Thomas (trombone), Christina Salinas (trombone), Paige Hatley (tuba), April Lemos (trumpet), Chris Brooks (trumpet), and Patrick Jarratt (trumpet).
In addition to Carvajal, receiving medals for a “1” rating for a class I solo was Ogo. Receiving medals for a “1” rating for a class II solo were Dustin Thomas and Christina Salinas.
Paige Hatley, April Lemos, and Chris Brooks received “2” ratings for their class II solos.
All students were accompanied by Hessong on piano, and she should be commended for the extra hours she put in practicing with the students in the weeks before contest.
Congratulations to all for their efforts. Special commendation to Michelle Ogo; she is our foreign exchange student from Japan. Ogo decided to join band when she came here after a layoff from flute of more than two years. They have band in Japan, but not marching band, and she wanted to experience it. Her success is a testament to her hard work and dedication (many hours of practice after school in the band hall). Had she felt comfortable enough to perform by memory, she might also be joining Arnst and Carvajal at state.
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