Orchestra performed at the solo & ensemble competition at Hanks High School on February 3. Student musicians from schools across all of EPISD showed up for a chance to win.
Students are scored on a scale of 5 to 1, with a 1 being the highest score. Those who score a 1 on either a solo or ensemble, or both get the chance to compete at state at the University of Texas at Austin. Preparation for this competition has been going on for months at this point. For some preparation started at the end of state competition last school year.
“Even though I wasn’t able to go to state this year,” senior violin Kaiden Espinoza said. “I still had a great time. It was cool to see all the schools in one place and be surrounded by music for a day.”
Those who made state this year include solo performances by senior cello Mason Smith, senior bass Evan Gonzales, and cello Jeong Park. Three ensembles qualified for state competition as well. A quintet including Abigail Portillo, Joshua McDougall, Xiadani Hernández, Mason Smith, and Evan Gonzales are headed for state later this year as well as two quartets. Those who did not make state still had a fantastic time.
“Everyone has been working super hard, I know I for sure have,” orchestra director Sandra Herrera said. “Between the rehearsals and all the competitions it’s definitely been tiring.”
Orchestra students have been getting to school early in the mornings and even staying after school to rehearse their solos and with their ensembles.