OHS band students rate at State

Four students from Olney High School received first-division ratings at the UIL Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest on Monday, May 27, 2024. The competition was held at Hendrickson High in Pflugerville.

Lily Thames, oboist, received a gold medal in solo performance. She will be a senior at OHS in the fall. Lily performed the Ernest Eichner “Concerto in C Minor” as a “no memory required” selection. Mrs. Barbara Lambrecht, retired band director and current flute professor at the University of Texas – El Paso, adjudicated the performance. Mrs. Laura Pease of Wichita Falls accompanied Miss Thames on piano. Comments from Mrs. Lambrecht included, “Nice start. You have a nice sound, and even technique”, “Good work overall. Thank you for your hard work in preparation for today. Best wishes as you continue your musical journey. I enjoyed hearing you.” Sawyer Edgington, Jeffry Flores, and Adrian Gonzalez, juniors, comprised the Miscellaneous Saxophone Trio awarded medals for their superior performance. Their alto saxophone trio performed “Scherzo for Three Saxophones” by Arthur Frackenpohl. Adjudicating the performance was Dr. Kyle Glaser, Associate Director of Bands and saxophone instructor at Texas State University in San Marcos.

Dr. Glaser commented on the performance: “Congratulations on making it to TSSEC! This is a big deal for both you and your school!”

Others attending the event were Mrs. Pease, Mrs. Cristina Gonzalez – mother of student Adrian Gonzalez, OHS graduate Mallory Jeske, and OHS Band Directors Rodney and Marilyn Bennett.