On Saturday, April 13, the DeSoto High School band and choir traveled to Baker University, in order to perform prepared solos and ensembles at the annual Regional Solo and Ensemble contest.

Students have been practicing their solo and/or ensemble for months, in order to prepare for Saturday. This contest is different from most other musical competitions, because it focuses on individual performance and execution, rather than a group effort.

All performances were judged on a (I)-(V) scale, (I) representing a superior execution. In order to move on to the State-wide competition, a performer or group must receive a (I) rating.

A total of five choral soloists, five instrumentalists and four instrumental ensembles earned a (I) rating.

Seniors Mykaela Cross and Lindsay Everson, and juniors McKenzie Hill, Cody Phillips and Emma Stucki all earned (I)’s on Saturday for vocal solos.

Seniors Adonis Searls, Dylan Foster, Maria Pileski, Blake Bradford and Rhiannon Caldwell received a (I)- Superior rating on their instrumental solos.

There were also two saxophone and two flute ensembles from DHS to earned a (I) rating, and get the chance to move on to State.

The number of musicians that earned a (I) rating, this year, has decreased dramatically from last year’s Regional contest.

“The scoring this year was much, much more difficult. The competition was a lot more intense this year,” said senior vocalist Makena Jarboe.

The State Solo and Ensemble contest takes place at Andover High School on April 27.