OHS Band Members Shine at State Competition

Five members of the Olney High School Band performed at the University Interscholastic League Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest on May 24 at Hendrickson High School in Pflugerville.

Soloists included 2025 OHS graduate Lily Thames on oboe performing “Concerto for Oboe and Strings” by Ralph Vaughn Williams, movements 1 and 2. She received a silver medal for an “excellent” performance.

Maddox Johnson, bassoonist, performed three movements of “Suite-Concertino in Fa, Op. 16” by Emmano Wolf-Ferrari. Maddox also received a silver medal for his performance. He will be a junior in the fall.

Both students were accompanied by Mrs. Laura Pease of Wichita Falls. Dr. Carol A. Jessup, associate professor of music and clarinet instructor at the University of Texas-Arlington judged the performances.

Woodwind quintet members Kenley Esparza – flute, Lily Thames – oboe, Samantha Sanborn – clarinet, Maddox Johnson – bassoon and Sophie Roach – French horn received a “good” rating on their performance of “Farandole” by Georges Bizet, arranged for woodwind quintet by Steve Winstead.

Mrs. Jill Stewart, Instrumental Music Coordinator and Professor of Clarinet at Blinn College (Brenham) served as adjudicator for the group.

Students advanced to the state level after receiving a superior rating for their performances at the region level in February.

Parents attending the competition were Mr. Johnny and Mrs. Rebecca Esparza, parents of Kenley, and Dr. Greg and Mrs. Nancy Roach, grandparents of Sophie. Jose Melchor, a senior at OHS, also accompanied the group.

Students were treated to an evening at Austin’s entertainment center in Pflugerville followed by a movie.