Albert Lea High School musicians competed at the Minnesota State High School League Solo and Ensemble Contest on Jan. 19 at Lakeville South High School.

According to a press release, students sang and played for judges for a score and rating of either fair, good, excellent or superior based upon their performance. The vocal department had 37 events this year. 

Students singing solos and earning a superior rating were Bu Htoo, Tierney Murtaugh, Samuel Yoon, Daryl Smith, Maddie Schei, Lydia Fluth, Carley Talamantes, Andrew Willner, Evan Blankenship, Ashler Benda, Jeorge Brinda, Katie Funk, Charley Fleek, Billie Maxson, Maray Lopez, Ally Rasmussen, Caleb Hanson, Rachael Holcomb, Leah Dup, Marissa Vogt, Olivia Goodmanson, Regina Riemann and Emma Barclay. 

Soloists earning an excellent rating were Lexus Saltou, Leecie Mucciacciaro, Makenzie Herr, Julissa Gilbertson, Kristian Anderson, Madison Doyle, Stephanie Redman, Reiner Quesada, Logan Howe, Noah Pesch, Gigi Otten, Mario Guerra and Grace Pfennig.

The SSA ensemble with Leah Dup, Emma Barclay and Maray Lopez scored a superior and also Best in Site award for singing “Warrior.” 

The students were accompanied by their teacher, Diane Heaney.

There were 10 events for orchestra. Eight events earned a superior rating and two events earned an excellent rating. 

Students performing solos earning a superior rating were Emma Barclay, Morgan Bjorklund, Grant Herfindahl, Parker Jenson, John Lukes and Samuel Yoon. 

Gracie Studier performed a violin solo and earned an excellent rating.

Maddie Schei and Anna Bordewick performed a viola/violin duet earning an excellent rating and Angelina Minear and Makenzie Kenyon performed a cello duet earning a superior rating.

The chamber orchestra earned a superior rating for its performance. Chamber members include Samuel Yoon, Abigail Chalmers, Anna Bordewick, Esther Yoon, Nicole Caya, Ava Corey-Gruenes, Emma Barclay, John Lukes and Parker Jenson.

Band students performed in 21 events. Students earned 10 superior ratings and six excellent ratings.

Students performing solos were Anna Birch, oboe; Lily Vinge, clarinet; Emma McColley, flute; Gigi Otten, flute; Rebecca Mickelson, trombone; Chris Abrego, trumpet; Alex Baerman, trumpet; Breckin Hoechst, tuba; Lexii Zak, horn; Charley Fleek, horn; Macayla Marti, clarinet; Gracie Boyenga, flute; John Lukes, marimba; Jarrett Flink, timpani; Romario Rosas, timpani; and Abigail Chalmers, alto saxophone.

Chalmers earned Best in Site honors for her performance.

Students performing in ensembles included Rachael Holcomb and Bailey Vinge, alto sax duet; Drake Dawson, Romario Rosas, Connor Veldman, Jake Ware, John Lukes and Anna Birch, percussion ensemble; Lily Vinge and Bailey Vinge, clarinet/alto sax duet; Hannah Steele and Rebecca Mickelson, flute/trombone duet; and Aaron Farris and Dylan Callahan, bari sax/baritone duet.

Instrumentalists were accompanied by Suzanne Mauer, Robert Tewes and Deb Cooper.