High school band students from eastern and central Kansas made their way to Emporia State for the Kansas State High School Activities Association 6A Solos and Small Ensembles Festival on Saturday. Soloists and ensembles performed before judges in Beach Hall, Plumb Hall and Roosevelt Hall.
Senior music major Kenji Bolden was among the many music students that volunteered for the all-day event.
“We help facilitate the ensembles,” Bolden said. “(We) make sure the music is numbered and official. We also walk them around campus and show them around.”
Bolden say noise control can be “pretty hectic,” especially in Plumb Hall because the sound carries well.
Solo percussionists performed in Beach Hall rooms 132 and 134. Percussion ensembles performed in Beach Hall room 134. The judges for percussion and percussion ensembles were Brian Fronzaglia and Keith Woolery.
Spencer Buff, who performed with the Olathe North High School symphonic percussion ensemble, said the time spent preparing and rehearsing for Saturday’s competition “was worth it.”
“If you really want to be great at something,” Buff said, “you have to put in the effort to achieve that greatness.”
Viola and violin soloists performed for judge Larry Williams in Beach Hall room 205 and judge Russ Pieken in Beach Hall room 206. Cello and bass soloists performed for judge Allen Probus in room 215. String ensembles performed for judge Carolyn Turner in Heath Recital Hall.
“There must be at least a thousand young musicians here in Emporia today,” said Gary McCarty, music education representative for Flint Hills Music.
The 5A Solos and Ensembles Festival was held concurrently with the 6A Festival at Emporia High School.
McCarty set up a table in Beach Hall stocked with supplies and “emergency equipment” such as drumsticks and mallets. McCarty said Flint Hills Music has been assisting with 6A solo and small ensemble competition for the last 10 years.
“Occasionally, I get away from the table to watch the percussion ensembles,” McCarty said.
McCarty was a judge in the percussion ensemble category last year.
Brass, flute and woodwind soloists and ensembles performed in Roosevelt Hall. High brass soloists performed for judge Stephen Patterson in room 206. Brass ensembles and low brass soloists performed for judge Jack Flouer in room 204.
Flute and woodwind soloists and ensembles performed for judge Ellen Johnson in room 100. Saxophone and double reed soloists and woodwind ensembles performed for judge Kimberly Krutz in room 112. Flute and clarinet soloists and single reed ensembles performed for judge Christopher Greco.
Vocal ensembles performed for judge Cecil Riney in Albert Taylor Hall and judge Cathy Holt in Plumb Hall room 408. Solo vocals were divided between rooms 310, 312 and 316.
Penelope Speedie was the judge for the girls solo vocal category, William Krusemark was the judge for the boys solo vocal category and Ronald Witzke was a judge for both categories.
Results for the festival were not available by press time Wednesday night.
