The musicianship and vocal talents of numerous Sheridan students were on full display at the ISSMA District Solo & Ensemble Contest. (TOP) The Middle School Large Ensemble with their medals. (ABOVE LEFT) The Middle School Ensemble with their medals. (ABOVE RIGHT) Members of the Chamber Choir. (Photos provided by Sheridan Community Schools)
Submitted by Sheridan Community Schools
Sheridan’s band and choir students showed their pride at the ISSMA District Solo & Ensemble competition at Westfield High School the past two weekends. Students represented Sheridan Middle and High School with excellence and outstanding showmanship.
At the instrumental district competition, Sheridan Middle School band students earned multiple top honors.
Gold Ratings were awarded to the brass quartet (Callie Callahan, Victoria Shinault, Jaidyn Gidman, Cameron Tomlin), the percussion ensemble (Waylon Hoffman, Mia Seats, Phin O’Neal), the clarinet quartet (Lyndi Brogan, Morgan Ciambella, Marilynn Heinzman, Makenzie Smith), and soloists Olivia Kinney (flute), Avery Garrett (tenor saxophone), and Mia Seats (snare drum).
The saxophone ensemble (Lyndi Brogan, Morgan Ciambella, Kylah Rose, Avery Garrett) earned a Silver Rating.
Similarly, the Sheridan High School band students also performed exceptionally well.
Gold Ratings were earned by the flute trio (Addison Houde, Chloe Wright, Kaiden Steen), the mixed woodwind quartet (Chloe Wright, Addison Houde, Vivian Olivas, Elyzabeth Powers), and the saxophone trio (Lillian Dunn, Devyn Pewarski, Ava McLean).
Gold medals were also awarded to soloists Elyzabeth Powers (clarinet and saxophone), Madeline Sterling (clarinet), and Devyn Pewarski (saxophone).
Silver Ratings were earned by Giovanni Barras (tenor saxophone) and Ava McLean (baritone saxophone). Devyn Pewarski’s Group I solo, and the saxophone trio of Lillian Dunn, Devyn Pewarski, and Ava McLean will advance to the State Solo & Ensemble competition on Feb. 28.
At the choral district competition, Sheridan choir students also had an incredible day. Sixty-one middle and high school students competed. The high school choir earned 17 gold medals and four silver medals, with multiple soloists and ensembles advancing.
Group I state qualifiers include vocal soloists Jasmine Pettit-Godbey, Devyn Pewarski, Kennedy Ritchie, Norah Stites, and Scarlett Wittbrod; Chamber Choir; and Sheridan’s first-ever state-qualifying barbershop quartet (Vivian Olivas, Devyn Pewarski, Kennedy Ritchie, Gavin Sutton). Middle school choir students earned 18 gold medals and two silver medals across solos and ensembles, demonstrating tremendous preparation and poise.
“It can be very nerve-wracking to perform in front of a judge, especially doing a solo or small ensemble,” said Libby Doublestein, Director of Choirs and Assistant Director of Bands. “I’m so proud of all these students for preparing and performing!”
Sheridan Community Schools is incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and musical talents that all of these students demonstrate. Congratulations to all of the talented Blackhawks.
Photos provided by Sheridan Community Schools
