3 Albany band students enter solos

By Donnie A. Lucas

A group of three band students earned medals at the UIL Solo and Ensemble contest held at Wylie High School on Saturday.

Sophomore Melanie Figueroa earned a Division I rating on a Class 3 clarinet solo, while freshman Landon Picquet, a percussionist, also brought home a Division I on a Class 2 solo.

Sophomore Chyanne Jaco competed with a Class 2 solo, earning a Division II rating.

Music selections used for the contest are divided into three classes based on difficulty, with a Class 1 selection being the most difficult. Students must earn a Division I rating on a Class 1 solo and memorize the music in order to advance to the state contest later in the spring.

Once a student earns a gold medal on a lower class selection, he or she must move up to the next level.

Band director William Vaughan said that all band students are required to compete in a solo or ensemble each year.

“We will have our local contest in May for all the rest of the students,” Vaughan said. “Preparing a solo or ensemble is part of our program’s goal to improve individual development. Plus, it teaches students how to handle nerves, which isn’t something they can practice.”

While musicians previously were accompanied by a pianist, there are recorded digital accompaniments used now.

The Ragin’ Red Band will compete for a second consecutive Sweepstakes Award on March 28 at Abilene Cooper High at the spring concert and sight reading contests.

Albany received a Division I rating at marching contest held in the fall. If the band earns Division Is in both concert and sight reading, another Sweepstakes will be awarded.

In 2022, the band received the first Sweepstakes the group has won in 40 years.

“We are preparing to earn a pair of No. 1 ratings again and bring home a second Sweepstakes in as many years,” Vaughan said.