Strong contest day for A-P MS bands

The Aplington-Parkersburg MS Instrumental Music Department sponsored their annual Solo/Ensemble Contest on Saturday, February 11, in the Middle School Vocal Room.  After weeks of intense rehearsals, the students played their best in front of a judge and a room packed with their proud families!

The Bands submitted a total of 68 events.  Of those entries, all 68 received a “Superior” rating!  There were no “Excellent” or “Good” Ratings.  Instead, the judge used a system of plusses and minuses within the superior range.

A total of 20 events received the designation of “Outstanding Performance” which is the top goal for all. Outstanding solos were as follows:  a clarinet solo by 8th grader Haley Peterson, a piano solo by 8th grader Haley Peterson, a snare drum solo by 7th grader Haley Homeister, a clarinet solo by 7th grader Abby Berends, a trumpet solo by 7th grader Alexis Hoogestraat, a trombone solo by 7th grader Christian Haugstad, a clarinet solo by 7th grader Destiny Rewerts, a mallet solo by 7th grader Elena Mulder, a trombone solo by 6th grader Will Steege, an alto sax solo by 6th grader Cadence Bertram, an alto sax solo by 6th grader Eliza Buss, a snare drum solo by 6th grader Blayne Luhring, a clarinet solo by 6th grader Lindsey Hart, a trumpet solo by 6th grader Ellen Waller, a clarinet solo by 6th grader Averi Weichers, a trumpet solo by 6th grader Adison Williamson, an alto sax solo by 6th grader Roman Harbaugh, a clarinet solo by 6th grader LeeAnn Bovy, and a clarinet solo by 6th grader Kaylee Johnson.

One ensembles receiving “Outstanding Performance” was the 7^th grade Flute/Clarinet Duet of Lauren Husz and Abby Berends.  All of these students receive purple ribbons in addition to their blue! 

All students in grades 6-8 performed solos, and ensembles are optional for the 7&8 graders.  Judge for the day was Ben Byersdorfer, director at Peet Junior High in Cedar Falls, IA.  Mr.  Byersdorfer does an outstanding job of teaching and directing young and often judges contests and directs honor bands.  He was extremely impressed by our students and spoke very highly of them afterwards. 

Accompanists for the event were Amy Truax, Renise Aswegen, Sharleen Hubbard, and Suzie Smith.  Much of our student success is due to the talents of these fine accompanists!  We appreciate their time and dedication!  Door monitor for the day was Carol Winkey, who has volunteered for many contests over the years.

A-P Band directors Thom Mahler & Tyler Winkey were very pleased with the results.  The students worked very hard for 1.5 months to prepare their events – including three intense weeks with their accompanist.  Retired band director Randall Winkey served as Contest Manager and helped rehearse the students throughout.   Congratulations to these amazing students!

Individual solo results are as follows:

EIGHTH GRADE BLUE RIBBONS:  Kenzie Reynolds, flute; Josh Haan, trumpet; Jake Wolff, snare drum; Halie Peterson, clarinet; Riley Freund, alto sax; Matthew Birch, trumpet; Christian Eilers, trombone; Seyann Luhring, clarinet; Olivia Hauser, trumpet; Haley Peterson, piano

SEVENTH GRADE BLUE RIBBONS:  Zach Klahsen, snare drum; Kasidy Mohwinkle, trombone; Haley Homeister, snare drum; Elena Mulder, snare drum; Lauren Husz, flute; Abby Berends, clarinet; Charity Johnson, tenor sax; Alexis Hoogestraat, trumpet; Christian Haugstad, trombone; Malia Heine, clarinet; Gavin Johnson, mallets; Olivia Anderson, flute; Destiny Rewerts, clarinet; Devin Bernard, snare drum; Allie Egloff, flute; Kadin Wormser, snare drum; Elena Mulder, mallets

SIXTH GRADE BLUE RIBBONS:  Will Steege, trombone; Jack Eddy, trumpet; Cadence Bertram, alto sax; Connor Kellum, trombone; Eliza Buss, alto sax; Blayne Luhring, snare drum; Olivia Onken, fute; Lindsey Hart, clarinet; Ellen Waller, trumpet; Kennedy Lind, snare drum; Hannah Buttjer, flute; Averi Weichers, clarinet; Lydia Koop, alto sax; Adison Williamson, trumpet; Kamdon Hoppenworth, trombone; Jenna Krueger, clarinet; McKenzie Boring, snare drum; Madison Derifield-Williams, flute; Halle Buseman, clarinet; Lexi Grill, alto sax; Drew Ogle, trumpet; Taylor Jackson, trombone; Shayla Barrett, snare drum; Saphire Lewis, flute; Abryanna Thede, clarinet; Roman Harbaugh, alto sax; Howie Fertig, trumpet; LeeAnn Bovy, clarinet; Hannah Bill, trombone; Olivia Shirk, snare drum; Lia Hovenga, clarinet; Tyler Birch, tenor sax; Jesse Washington, trumpet; Luke Shepard, share drum; Amber Tyler, clarinet; Kaylee Johnson, flute

Ensemble results are as follows:

SEVENTH & EIGHTH GRADE BLUE RIBBONS:  Flute/Clarinet Duet (Lauren Husz & Abby Berends)

Pictured are the 6th Grade Band members who earned an Outstanding Performance on their solo at the recent contest: Guys: Roman Harbaugh, Blayne Luhring, Will Steege Gals: LeeAnn Bovy, Cadence Bertram, Eliza Buss, Amber Tyler, Lindsey Hart, Averyi Weichers, Ellen Waller, Adison Williamson