Grand Band sends 35 to State Solo and Ensemble

A total of seven ensembles qualified for the State Solo and Ensemble contest on Feb. 24 after performing at Waco Trojan High School and earning a one. The State Solo and Ensemble contest will take place on memorial day weekend at Hendrickson High School.

Thirty-five students will travel to Austin, Texas and stay at the Marriott in for a total of 3 days for the contest.from May 26-29 at the State contest.

“This is my third time going to the State Solo and Ensemble,” junior Molly Allred. “I hope we make a one.”

Each ensemble practiced once a week, and many practiced after school in order to prepare for the first round of ensemble contests.

“We practiced a couple times after school in order to prepare for the contest.” Allred said.

There were a total of three soloists that competed in the contest, including Sophomore Chris Scott who received a one for his performance.

“It was really fun performing my solo this year,” Scott said.

Scott also competed in a percussion ensemble that advanced to the state level. The percussion ensemble also consisted of Sophomores Devin Johnson, Merrianne Markham and Cate Scott, juniors Garrett Mensch and Jack Ezell, Senior Evan Jameson.

“It’s my second time going to state since I’ve been in High School,” Sophomore Devin Johnson said, “I’m looking forward to earning a second one.

Two Brass Sextets, Two Saxophone quintets,a Clarinet Quintet, and a Saxophone Trio were among the state qualifiers. In of the quartets, Sophomore and drum major Conner Jackson, who entered his first solo and ensemble contest as an 8th grader, and has qualified for state a total of 3 times.

“I’m very excited for to go state this year,” Jackson said. “I feel a lot more confident this year, and I really think our sound has improved since last year,”

Many of the state qualifiers are part of the Fairfield Varsity and Junior Varsity bands earned a first division in both concert and sightreading performances at Groesbeck High School on March 1.

“We got another one this year,” head band director Bill Large said. “I hope we can keep this going.”

The Varsity band was directed by Director Bill Large, and the Junior Varsity band was directed by Russell Holland.