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Sperry Band of Pirates Take Highest Honors in solo and Ensemble Competitions
The Sperry Band of Pirates traveled to Claremore Saturday, March 2, to attend the District Solo and Ensemble Contest. Ten solo players and three ensembles represented the Sperry High School Band. Seventeen band members participated, some playing both in a solo competition and in an ensemble. The Pirates swept through the competitions, earning superior ratings across the board.
“This contest is for small groups or single players, and requires students to practice their musical skills outside of the classroom setting,” High School Band Director Makayla West said. “These students worked beyond the classroom expectations for our band, with a lot of practice on their own. Furthermore, they are judged for their skill while alone on the stage rather than being surrounded by the entire concert band.”
High school band members will participate in the State completion at Oklahoma State University in April. The solo players competing in April are Chase Ford, Kamya Barrett, Allysen Dean, Maddy Carr, Jessica Mathis, Aiyana Million, Weston Preslar, Bently Doshier, and Daylen Prather. The members of the Brass Quintet are Chris Akers, Waydon Ingram, Jack Alsabrook, Aiyana Million, and Weston Preslar. The members of the Alto Duet are Keyara Fleming and Alyssia O’Field. Chase Ford has already earned two medals at the State completion, and Kamya Barrett has earned one.
Middle school students participating in high school bands are permitted to participate in the District competition, but are not eligible to participate in the State completion in April. Sperry 8th graders Baron Keith and Alanna Hembree received a superior rating for their mallet duet, and Kinndi Lance Warren received a Superior rating in the solo competition. Their season ended with this contest, and ended with each earning the highest rating for their work. They will surely be prepared to put forth the effort to continue their success throughout the next four years as high school members of the band.
