Olney ISD sends musicians to state

Twenty-seven students from the Olney High School and Olney Junior High Bands participated in the UIL Region 7 North Zone Solo and Ensemble Contest on Saturday, February 18. The event was held at Wichita Falls High School.

Students advancing to the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest (TSSEC) in May are seniors Adelade Edgington and Richard Walp for their superior ratings in vocal performance. Other students advancing in instrumental events are seniors Jennifer Martinez – oboe solo and Richard Walp – alto saxophone solo. Freshman Adrian Gonzalez (alto sax), sophomore Lily Thames (barisax) and seniors Jennifer Martinez (tenor sax) and Richard Walp (alto sax) also advanced to the state level for their Class I saxophone quartet.

Lily Thames (sophomore) made a first-division on her oboe solo. Sawyer Edgington (freshman) also received a first division on his Class 2 alto saxophone solo.

OHS Band students performing include senior Hallie Cuba (euphonium solo), junior Makayka Torres (alto saxophone solo), sophomore Jolie Widner (oboe) and freshman Ricco Sandoval (tuba). Each received an“excellent” rating on their solos.

Freshmen Sawyer Edgington, Jeffry Flores, and Adrian Gonzalez were awarded an “excellent” rating for their alto saxophone trio.

The percussion trio of freshmen Jocelyn DeLira, Nate Eversole-Elmore, and Jose Melchor was awarded an “excellent” rating for their percussion trio.

Olney Junior High Band students competing included eighth graders Aubree Englishbee, Ava Stewart, and Foster Sullivan in vocal performance. Ava and Foster received “superior” ratings and Aubree was given an “excellent” rating for their solos.

Instrumental soloists receiving a Division 1 rating in solo performance were Ava Stewart (flute and piano), Maddox Johnson (Bassoon), Braelyn Casteel (clarinet), Aubree Englishbee (alto saxophone), and Sophie Roach (French horn). All are eighth graders at OJHS.

Ensemble members Braelyn Casteel, Emily Morcom, and Kiesley Mullins were given a “superior” rating for their clarinet trio. Ava Stewart (flute), Emily Morcom (clarinet), and Maddox Johnson (bassoon) received a first division on a flute, bassoon, and clarinet trio. Tucker Cortinas (alto sax), Aubree Englishbee (alto sax), and Kanton Rodgers (tenor sax) received an “excellent” rating for their saxophone trio.

Brass ensemble members Ben Baran (trumpet), James Garcia (trumpet), Sophie Roach (French horn), and Foster Sullivan (trombone) received a Division 1 on their brass quartet.