Sound of success
Several band students from Moses Lake High School participated in a regional solo and ensemble contest. Seven students made it to the state competition, and three students placed as alternates. Photo by Chrystal Doucette/Columbia Basin Herald
MOSES LAKE - Ten standout musicians from Moses Lake High School are headed to a state competition after receiving strong ratings in a regional contest.
The students performed in Wenatchee at the North Central Regional Solo & Ensemble Festival. Seven students won in their division, and another three students were selected to serve as first alternates.
In April, the students are traveling to Ellensburg for the state contest.
According to instructor Dan Beich, the number of Moses Lake High School students headed to state this year is the most in recent memory.
"We're all excited," said Moses Lake High School senior Chazz Warren.
The 17-year-old bass player said her biggest challenge at the regional competition was getting up early.
Sophomore David Steele, 16, faced a different challenge.
"Getting up in front of people," Steele said.
For senior Elaina Duvall, 18, the biggest challenge was hitting the high notes on her trumpet.
Duvall made it to state last year as well.
"It was kind of overwhelming because everybody out there was 10 times better than me," she said.
The competition was a learning experience, she added.
Junior McKenzie Peterson, 17, said technique was her biggest challenge.
Peterson competed on three percussion instruments: the snare, the timpani and the marimba. She is competing in the state competition on timpani and was selected as a first alternate for snare.
"I'm kind of nervous, but at the same time I'm kind of excited," she said.
Moses Lake High School Junior Vanessa Hernandez, 17, said the most challenging part of the competition for her was the preparation.
Hernandez played alto saxophone as part of a saxophone quartet. She said working as part of an ensemble is challenging because they were working with peers rather than a director.
Warren said they all plan to continue playing music in college.
The seven division winners are: Chazz Warren, Duke Sullivan, David Steele, Elaina Duvall, Caleb Hochstatter, McKenzie Peterson and Alec Robillard.
Alternates are: McKenzie Peterson, Duke Sullivan, and a saxophone quartet (Duke Sullivan, Vanessa Hernandez, Taylor Mather and Meredith Heinzman).