•March 6, 2019•

Eighteen Okaw Valley band and choir students participated in the IHSA State Solo & Ensemble contest held at Millikin University. Overall, Okaw Valley students received eight first place ratings, six second place ratings and one third place.
All soloists are required to perform a musical selection as well as prepared scales and tonal skills in front of a judge. This is the highest competition available to musicians in IHSA member schools. Judges shall award Division I ratings to only those competitors manifesting the very highest level of achievement as stated in the Terms & Conditions set forth by the IHSA.
Students receiving first place ratings include Bella Benning and Kaylee Taylor vocal duet, Ethan Suarez snare drum solo, Bella Benning vocal solo, Haven Caulfield vocal solo, Clayton Bone snare drum solo, Madeline Ray piano solo, Connor Powers, Bella Benning and Shelby Hagerman trumpet trio and Kaylee Taylor vocal solo.
Second place ratings were received by Haven Caulfield and Shaukana Tipsword vocal duet, Baylee Suarez flute solo, Savannah Hagerman trombone solo, Alesia Smegal, Macie Fleshner, Calleigh Foster and Mikhayla Ward flute quartet, Connor Powers baritone solo, Shaukana Tipsword vocal solo. Third place rating was received by Caleb Hildebrandt horn solo.
Also participating were Addison Webner and Chloe Harris saxophone ensemble. Students were accompanied by Theresa Colclasure and Vicki Osman. Okaw Valley students are under the instrumental direction of Erin Bozek and vocal direction of Kathy Doty.