On Thursday, Feb. 21, the GW band traveled to Mathis for its Annual Solo & Ensemble contest. This contest pushes the student to individually prepare a solo and perform it with an accompaniment in front of a judge. The rating system is similar to marching contest:

Superior, Excellent, Average, Below Average, and Poor

The different levels of solos are based on the solo difficulty. A class 1 solo is the most difficult; whereas the class 3 solo are intended for freshmen or students on their first year of that particular instrument. Class 2 solo’s are of medium difficulty.

Students work hard and truly aim for superior ratings as they show the ultimate preparedness. Below is the list of students who brought home a superior rating.

Solo & Ensemble Results for the Longhorn Band

12 students received a Division 1 on a class one solo!

Sarah Crawford, Flute

Ella Lowrance, Bassoon

Kayla Cantu,Bb Clarinet

Mandy Whitaker, Bb Clarinet

Ellen Nance, Bass Clarinet

Darin Cuevas, Alto Saxophone

Sidney Freeborn, Tenor Saxophone

Randy Gutierrez, Trumpet

Matthew Hyde, Trumpet

Tyler Kerr, Trumpet

John Picasso, Trumpet

Tiffany Martinez, Percussion



Five students received a division 1 on a class two solo. They are:

Mercedes Alonzo, Bb Clarinet

Angel Archer, Bb Clarinet

Katherine McCormick, French Horn

Aimee Toscano, Euphonium

Cheyenne Upton, Percussion

Three students received a Division I on a class three solo. They are:

Colter Dees, Trumpet

Victoria Bell, Euphonium

Samantha Henke, Euphonium

Mandy Whitaker and Sidney Freeborn have qualified for the State Solo & Ensemble contest by performing their class one solo memorized and receiving a division one. They will travel to Hendrickson High School in Pflugerville in early June to compete.