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Sulphur Springs High School Choir members pose after 20 earned medals and 16 qualified to advavnce to the Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest. Courtesy Photo
On Saturday, Feb. 3, all 20 of Sulphur Springs High School Choir students competing at the UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest received a medal for their hard work, preparation and commitment to artistry.
Sixteen of the 20 SSHS vocalists scored high enough at the Marshall High School competition to advance to the Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest.
“Solo & Ensemble is a time when I see a lot of musical and personal growth from the students. Very little time in class is spent on learning and preparing. The students have to be internally motivated to rehearse independently and responsible in scheduling times to work with me after school. They also learn to gracefully accept criticism and using feedback to fuel their performance. We're lucky to have great accompanists working with us. Chad Houk, Mary Ellen Kirkland, and Melissa Bilyeu are crucial to helping our students succeed,” SSHS Choir instructor Beth Cole noted.
Of the SSHS choir memers receiving first division ratings on their solo, only two did not advance.
Among the first division state-qualifying soloists were Mika Boren, Adriana Espinoza, Caitlin Foster, Kaisy Garcia Hidalgo, Mikel Godwin, Katie Henderson, Ben Lovelady, Celeste Mc-Coy, Reese Offutt, Mars Patterson, Braylen Savage, Xen Simmons, Karisma Stegient, Jaya Smith and Jamie Tavera.
Also recognized for their first division performances were Jaiden Wade, Bailee Wilkerson, Finn Friddle and Ka'Lecia Christman.
Additionally, 10 students qualified for TSSEC with their ensemble, and a few qualified for state as part of more than one ensemble. Mika Boren, Celeste Mc-Coy, Mars Patterson and Reese Offutt each earned the right to advance with more than one group. Ensemblists also advancing to state include Caitlin Foster, Mikel Godwin, Alan Guzman, Ben Lovelady, Xen Simmons and Jaya Smith.