On March 29th, Liberty North High School hosted the annual District Solo and Ensemble Competition. MSHSAA sets the standards for the students including the piece selection and even guidelines for performances.

  Band and orchestra students who prepared a solo and/or ensemble for district contest worked hard to strive towards the ultimate goal of any musician- to get to state. Getting a “1” rating is not only an accomplishment, but an opportunity for the student to compete at the state level, as well.

  Many students from Liberty North earned a “1” rating and will be competing at state on Friday, May 2. They will depart from North bright and early and miss a day of school to travel to Columbia.

  “I practiced everyday. I worked very, very hard and I met with my accompanist about twice a week and with my private teacher once a week,” sophomore french horn player, Riley Kirtley said.

  Getting a “1” rating is an honor that not every student gets to experience. Many students even sacrificed their Eagle Hour time to practice their solos and ensembles.

  “I just worked on little parts of the piece at a time so I could really focus on all of the musical effects present in the piece as opposed to trying to look at the whole thing at once and overwhelming myself,” sophomore violinist Lilly Sieren said.

  Students going to state have been preparing music for several months and have worked hard coordinating with their peers to find time to rehearse. Many students who sacrificed their Eagle Hour and relaxation were the ones who earned their “1.”

  “Planning practices ahead really helped, but getting people to listen to us and give us feedback was most helpful. When I found out we were going to state I was happy,” junior tuba player Keegan Sharp said.

  Musicians going to state this year have not only learned about hard work, but also the importance of preparation and dedication. The students headed to Columbia earned their “1” rating because they are passionate about what they do and are willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish goals.

 “The main thing I learned is that preparation is essential. It was hard for me to practice with both groups once a week. We all had conflicts during certain days. The rehearsals we had though, I’m very thankful for since both of my groups are going to state,” junior french horn player Kamilla White said.

  All students going to state music contest have worked very hard so far, but will have to work even harder in preparation for state. All musicians competing at state should remember that hard work pays off and that dedication shows.