HMS musicians place in state competition
Harrisburg Middle School Band Director Marc Henshaw is very pleased with his pupils.
"We had one of, if not the highest number of students compete of any school in the state," Henshaw said.
Henshaw is referring to the Illinois Grade School Music Association Solo and Ensemble Contest held on Feb. 21 at the Marion Junior High School. The band pupils competed in the their district competition, which encompasses the southern part of the state south of Mt. Vernon, excluding the Metro-East area. The IGSMA is an association made of of music, band, orchestra and choir teachers throughout the state and sponsors the yearly competition.
Henshaw said pupils were given their musical selection in early December and were solely responsible for their practice schedule.
"It is a way to teach them self-discipline," Henshaw stated. "They are responsible if they do poorly or if they do well."
The pupils perform either a vocal or a instrumental performance before a judge. The judge evaluates their skills and awards a rating based on the performance. The ratings run from 1st Superior (which is a near flawless performance) down through 1st Division, 2nd Division, 3rd Division and 4th Division. The pupils are grouped in four classes from class A to D, based on age and experience. Some 64 Harrisburg Middle School band members competed this year, in what is an optional event for the students.
"Nearly 80 percent of the band students competed and this year I had made it an optional event," Henshaw said. "I'm really proud of them."
Henshaw pointed out that the format of the competition, a pupil giving a solo performance, forced the each to overcome shyness or difficulty in handling one-on-one situations.
"They have to overcome their fears, exercise a large amount of self discipline and perform well," Henshaw stated. "These are all things that they will have to do as adults."
The pupils who performed and their placing, by Class and Award are: Class A, 1st Superior Rating, Reese Emery-Flute, Alyssa Irvin-Vocal, Reese Emery and Katie Wright-Flute Ensemble. 1st Division Rating, Katie Wright-Flute, Bradley Frailey-Vocal, Brianna Belt-Clairnet, Bradley Frailey and Kristen Travelstead-Saxaphone Duet, Christina Mendoza-Baritone Saxophone, Halie West-Vocal.
Class B, 1st Superior Rating, Brendan Mitchel-Baritone Saxophone. 1st Division, Christian Oliver-Alto Saxophone, Lydia Miller-Alto Saxophone, Sophie Winkleman-Violin, Hannah Mitchel-Vocal, Elle Benke-Vocal. 2nd Division Rating, Madison Kennedy-Vocal. Class C, 1st Superior Rating, Sophie Winkleman-Flute, Lexi Cox-Vocal, Jonah McGuire-Alto Saxophone, Landon Gates-Trumpet, Madeline DeNeal-Piano.
Class C, 1st Division Rating, Ashley Williams-Flute, Jack Gulley-Vocal, April Gulley-Alto Saxophone, Hannah Reid-Flute, Hannah Haney-Tenor Saxophone, Shaunah Ballard-Flute, Shawn Dawe-Trumpet, Avah Businaro-Flute, Andrew Ryner-Trombone, Jenna Means- Bass Clarinet, Madeline DeNeal-Snare Drum, Grayson Osman-Piano, Anthony Cortez-Snare Drum, Kaylee Robinson-Vocal. 2nd Division Rating, Levi Titsworth-Trumpet, Elle Zbehneke-Trombone, Keisha Tuttle-Vocal. 4th Division, Ryan Cowsert-Snare Drum.
Class D, 1st Division Rating, Hannah Proctor-Flute, Skylar Oliver-Clarinet, Hailey Potts-Trombone, Ashley Hammond-Flute Molly Shives-Clarinet, Cash Thomas-Bells, Hayden Gaskins-Flute, Makenna Markham-Clarinet, Blake Eversman-Bells, Paige Coleman-Flute, Autumn Rain Harrawood-Clairinet, Brandon Butler-Bells, Maya Robinson-Clarinet, Lilli Ford-Clarinet, Marissa Miller-Snare Drum, Bentley Linch-Alto Saxophone, Olivia Meyer-Trumpet, Trenton Case-Trumpet. 2nd Division Rating, Peyton Moran.
Class E, 1st Division Rating, Kinsey Angelly-Clairinet, Pyper Colp-Bass Clarinet, Lexi Cox-Clairinet, Cash Thomas-Snare Drum, Abbey Trammel-Clairinet. 4th Division Rating, Brandon Butler-Snare Drum.