A vocal ensemble from Kewanee High School performs at the IHSA solo and ensemble music contest at Monmouth-Roseville High School. [Photo courtesy of Kewanee High School Music Department]

Kewanee High School band and choir students competed at the IHSA State Solo/Ensemble Contest at Monmouth-Roseville High School on Saturday.  

The day yielded record levels of success for our Kewanee Music Department including:

  • Class A Overall – 2nd Place  The final round of the overall competition is April 12th-13th
  • Class A Band Solo/Ensemble – 1st Place. This is the third year in a row that the KHS band has won State Solo/Ensemble for their class. The band is directed by Alex Binek and Brittany Krohn.
  • Class A Vocal Solo/Ensemble – 2nd Place. This is the highest finish in school history and the choir program has seen significant improvement over the past three years. The Choral Collective is directed by Katie Yelm.

Each contest judge will hear over 50 entries during the day and must pick just one as the “Best Of Day”.  KHS winners include:

  • Willow Marshall – Clarinet Solo
  • Cooper Bates – Alto Saxophone Solo
  • Laryn Conley, Cooper Bates, and Isaac Lynes – Mixed Voice Ensemble
  • “Benedictus” Mixed Choir

Scoring is handled on a “points” system where better performances earn more points towards a school’s ranking.  Here are the top 10 point earners this year:

  1. Claire Olalde – 33.25
  2. Kaiden Goffrier – 24.5
  3. Cooper Bates – 24
  4. Jersie Duytschaver – 23.75
  5. Bethany VanWassenhove – 23.6
  6. Brennyn Ford – 22.4
  7. Nayeli Leon – 21.9å
  8. Abigail Wyant – 21
  9. Laryn Conley – 20.25
  10. Alex Hager – 18.5

The musicians will compete for a IHSA Music State Championship in April.