On Tuesday, April 11, 2017 members of the FHS Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band took part in their annual Solo and Small Ensemble Music Contest. A total of 130 students performed in 96 events, playing classical solos, duets, trios, and quartets. The FHS band students had a very successful evening, with 67 events receiving a rating of “Superior,” the highest rating available. To receive a Superior rating, students must receive a score of at least 35 out of 40 points. The adjudicators assess students on a wide variety of musical performance factors including intonation, tone quality, rhythm and tempo, expressiveness, and articulation.

8 solos received a perfect score of 40 points. Students getting perfect scores included Lexi Kortenbusch (flute), Corey Knutson (clarinet), Taylor Julson (flute), Lucas Toutge (trombone), Grace Welter (trumpet), Zach Johnson (euphonium), Ellie Colson (flute), and Mike Cummings (alto sax).

Adjudicators for the event were band directors Dan Marrs (Red Wing), John Zschunke (Rosemount), Rick Olson (Lakeville), and Sarah Minette (Minneapolis). FHS Band Directors are Erin Holmes and Bradley Mariska.