Gracee Courtney, Brenda Hernandez, Tory Henry, Ashlyn Crawford, Ali Henry, Veronica Banuelos, and Bryce Johnson

On Thursday, February 21, 2019, many Clarke Middle School Band Members opted to participate in the Clarke Middle School Solo and Ensemble Festival. These band members rehearsed their musical selections with their band teacher, Christie Stortenbecker, and then performed their pieces for a judge.  This year, the judge was Oscar Ortiz, the retired band director from Chariton Middle School.  First, he listened to each performance.  Immediately afterward, Mr. Ortiz offered positive feedback to each performer, as well as suggestions for improvement.  Band members earned a rating based upon their performance.  After the festival, each performer also received a written ballot from the judge and an award ribbon.  

At the end of the evening, Mr. Ortiz recognized the outstanding performers of the festival.  These special awards were given to Gracee Courtney – 8th grade clarinet solo, Brenda Hernandez – 7th grade clarinet solo, Ashlyn Crawford, Ali Henry, and Tory Henry – 7th grade snare drum trio, as well as Veronica Banuelos and Bryce Johnson – 7th grade saxophone duet.

The ratings for all of the participants are included below. 

Division I+ Ratings (Highly Superior)

Lily Arnold – Alto Saxophone Solo

Gracee Courtney – Clarinet Solo

Riley Elsbury – Trombone Solo

Ashlin Hardy – Oboe Solo

Ali Henry – Snare Drum Solo

Tory Henry – Snare Drum Solo

Brenda Hernandez – Clarinet Solo

Rili Houge – Clarinet Solo

Calhoun Lundquist – Trombone Solo

Gracee Courtney and Alli Nash – Clarinet Duet

Ashlyn Crawford, Ali Henry, and Tory Henry – Snare Drum Trio

Rili Houge and Calista Warner – Woodwind Duet

Bryce Johnson and Veronica Banuelos – Saxophone Duet

 

Division I Ratings (Excellent)

Ashlin Hardy, Veronica Banuelos, and Lauren Mumaw – Mixed Trio

Dejah Rowe and Lauren Gray – Flute

 

Division I- Ratings (Great)

Alicia Glenn – Alto Saxophone Solo

Gracee Courtney, Lauren Gray, and Dejah Rowe – Woodwind Trio

 

Division II+ Rating (Very Good)

Veronica Banuelos – Clarinet Solo

 

Division II Ratings (Good)

Lauren Mumaw – Trumpet Solo

Brenda Hernandez and Veronica Banuelos – Clarinet Duet

 

Division III Rating (Fair)

No Division III Ratings were given by the judge.