Band students to compete at contest

By Donnie A. Lucas

A group of Albany High School band students will compete in the UIL Solo and Ensemble contest at Wylie High School in Abilene on Saturday.

A total of 13 students have been preparing for the contest, which offers three levels of difficulty. Typically, students play a Class 3 solo their first year of participation, then progress to a Class 1 solo, which is the most difficult.

Along with a piano accompanist, musicians present a prepared selection for a judge from the music list assigned one of the three levels.

Students can receive a rating of 1-5 from the judge, winning a medal for a Division I rating.

Students registered to perform are: John Birkla – alto sax, Keira Caudel – marimba, Jonathan Coody – piano, Melanie Figueroa – clarinet, Sterlin Hobbs – baritone, Clara Holson – flute, Landon Kreitler – trumpet, Trinity McBee – flute, Austin Sanchez – tuba, Ashley Sanchez – clarinet, Emily Schedule – trumpet, Chyanne Thomas – clarinet, and Chey’Anne Weaver – flute.