Two ensembles from Bainbridge High and three Spartan solo musicians have qualified to compete at the State Solo and Ensemble Competition on April 24-25 at Central Washington University.

Bainbridge High School students advanced to the state competition after their outstanding showings in the Olympic Educators Music Association (OMEA) Solo and Ensemble District Competition at Central Kitsap High School on Feb. 20. These student musicians spent months working on their own or in small groups (often with a private instructor) preparing for the competition.

This year, three individuals and two ensembles from Bainbridge won their division. Additional Bainbridge students named as alternates may also advance to state, depending on the final number of competitors.

“Regional Solo and Ensemble Contest is one of my favorite days of the year,” said BHS Band Director Chris Thomas. “All these students put in so much work for this event, and to do well takes tremendous preparation.”

“I am really so proud of our program,” he added. “Participating in Solo & Ensemble is optional for band students at Bainbridge High School, and even still, we have one of the best registration totals in Kitsap. With our five category winners this year, our students are definitely some of the most accomplished in our region. I am excited to see them in action at the state contest later this spring.”

For Islanders who would like to hear these students perform, the next Bainbridge High School band concert is 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 18 in the BHS Commons.

After that, the program will be throwing its first ever Band Honors Gala on Wednesday, April 22, at St. Barnabas Church on Wyatt. Tickets and information can be found at www.bainbridgebands.org.

BHS DISTRICT WINNERS

Shelby Sundquist (Clarinet, Dave Carson student)

John Smith (Euphonium, Bud Parker student)

Cristen McCann (Piano)

Kathryn Tibbens, Hayden Tutty and Cristen McCann (Small Woodwind Ensemble, Jessie Polin students)

Nick Stahl, Cade Taylor, Shelby Sundquist, Henry Brown and Kevin McCann  (Large Woodwind Ensemble, Dave Carson students)

First Alternates

Henry Brown (Alto Sax, Dave Carson student)

Sienna Mander, Teddy O’Mara, Jeremy Binder, Jared Cordell, Megan Sellman, Timo Lahtinen, Jack Bleakmore and Kerianne Wiggins (Large Percussion Ensemble)

Second Alternates

Max Weber (Tenor Sax, Dave Carson student)

Cristen McCann (Flute, Jessie Polin student)