***William Ly is a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.
This past Saturday, Kewanee High School’s band and choir students traveled to Monmouth-Roseville High School to compete in the annual IHSA Solo and Ensemble contest.
Participants in this competition can perform pieces individually or in small groups. It is an excellent opportunity for young musicians to showcase their hard work and receive feedback from judges.
This year, the Kewanee band took first place for the fourth year in a row, and the KHS chorus took second place for the second year in a row. In addition to podium finishes, Kewanee students were able to take home a record-breaking 12 Best of Day awards.
During solo and ensemble, each judge listens to 35 to 45 different performances, and they are only allowed to give two awards, one for an ensemble performance and one for a solo performance.
Instrumental Best of Day:
Cadyn Conley, Mikayla Israel and Olivia Ralston – Flute Ensemble
London Currie – Flute Solo
William Ly – Soprano Saxophone Solo
William Ly – Alto Saxophone Solo
Dillon Price – Trombone Solo
Malik Diop – Snare Drum Solo
Garrett Komnick – Tenor Drums Solo
Brennyn Ford – Piano Solo
Vocal Best of Day:
Abigail Wyant – Musical Vocal Solo
Julia Pendergrass – Musical Vocal Solo
Trivian Massens – Classical Vocal Solo
I am Peace – Vocal Ensemble
Members of the “I am Peace” performance included Azucena Paredes, Khloe Yelm, Alexis Fosu, Abigail Wyant, Claire Olalde, Nayeli Leon, Emily Willis, Julia Pendergrass, Kaiden Goffrier, Dade Aldred and Trivian Massens
This contest amounts to half of the IHSA Music Sweepstakes competition in which bands across the state compete for the title of Music Sweepstakes Champion.
Last year, Kewanee received first place and hopes to claim the trophy again. Currently, Kewanee is in second place behind St. Francis High School of Wheaton.
The other half of the competition occurs in the IHSA Organizational Competition, where schools compete with whole bands and choruses. This year, KHS is hosting its class’s competition on April 11-12. Bands will play in Brockman Gymnasium, and choruses will perform in Petersen Auditorium.
