A total of 16 students from the Vernon ISD Band Program competed in the UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest held last Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Wichita Falls High School in Wichita Falls. There were 14 students from the Vernon Middle School and EVERY student received a Division I (Superior) rating on their solo or ensemble.
Eighth grade VMS students who received a Division I on their solo were: Kenzie Bennett, trumpet; Lilly Ferguson, tuba; Ehpolo Htoo, timpani; Jesse Mejia, clarinet; Elysia Nino, clarinet; and Flor Ortega, tuba. The brass ensemble consisting of Georgia Balderas, trombone; Kenzie Bennett, trumpet; Lilly Ferguson, tuba; Joy Hogan, baritone; and Flor Ortega, tuba, also received a Division I.
Seventh grade band students receiving a Division I on their solo were: Leah Diekmann, clarinet; Braeden German, trombone; Koral Grace, alto saxophone; Skylar Harbour, flute; and Leah Mena, clarinet. A woodwind trio consisting of Koral Grace, alto saxophone; Skylar Harbour, flute; and Ava Lagunas, clarinet, also earned a Division I.
There were two high school students who competed in the UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest. Mariana Ortega received a Division I rating for her flute solo, receiving a Division II (excellent) rating on their mallet solo was Sam Thomas.
Co-Band Directors Dianne Koch and Aaron Burr expressed how proud they were of all of these students. They said the students represented VMS/VHS very well and that the future is bright for the VISD Band Program. They added that was a GREAT DAY TO BE A LION!