Submitted by VHS Music Dept – Twenty-two VHS musicians traveled to the ASAA State Solo and Ensemble Festival on May 9th and 10th at the UAA Fine Arts Building. These students qualified for the festival by earning a superior rating at the Aurora Music Festival earlier this Spring. A superior rating indicates that the student was technically very well prepared, often memorized, and applies musicality in their presentation. Most five-minute solos or ensembles represent many hours of individual or group practice and focused attention to detail. At the State festival, students get their 10 minutes with the professional musician adjudicator, but also may listen to students from all across Alaska as they perform and are critiqued.
On Friday, Valdez had six performances. The six students from guitar class performed “Chasing Cars”, a five-part guitar ensemble. The group had one of their best ever performances. The judge critiqued some areas of intonation and technique, but they came away with a 2 or a rating of “Excellent.” Carlie VanBuskirk, Destiny Day, Joie Sheldon, Madison Lally, Eli Critchlow, and Andrew Baczuk all pulled off a great showing at their first ever appearance at State and they were the only guitar ensemble in the competition.
James Humphrey graced the audience with a captivating alto sax solo which earned him a
superior rating from the judges with comments like, “I can’t believe you don’t take lessons,” and “Your tone is masterfully done.” James was accompanied by Erik Vincent.
Haylee Tippetts, cut her theatrical-self loose with “You’ll Be Back,” from Hamilton. The judges were impressed with her interpretation, and dynamic range, and rewarded her with a superior Rating. Haylee was accompanied by Bonnie Thiel.
Erik Vincent put on his matador persona and owned the stage with his classical vocal solo, “Votre Toast” from Carmen. The judges coached his theatrics and gave him high marks in his musical interpretation and technique. He won over a superior rating. Erik was accompanied by an ASAA staff accompanist.
Braiden Williams and Kassidy Ferguson marveled the percussion room with their unique
duet, “Game of the Century.” The piece is a percussive and historical chess game. The
judges used their piece to teach the whole audience some rhythmic tricks and clarify some
flaws in timing. They couldn’t help but be impressed with the clever and highly technical
presentation and were rewarded with a superior rating.
Kassidy Ferguson completed the day with her marimba solo performance of “Astral Dance” amid a highly competitive round of percussion solos. The judges complimented her with words like, “powerful,” and “complex,” when she finished her peak and final solo performance as a VHS student which earned a superior rating.
On Saturday, the students began with Oliver Ownbey’s trumpet solo, “Orientale.” With
charming eastern flair, Oliver filled the room with brassy clarity. The judges complimented and coached his dynamic range and air flow. Oliver was accompanied by Bonnie Thiel. He earned a good rating.
The Buccaneer Handbells, which included all the band members, pulled off a stellar performance of “Masters in This Hall.” The judges offered suggestions to widen the dynamic range and maintain the consistent pulse, but loved the overall performance. The group proudly exited the stage and celebrated a superior rating. The handbell group includes Ezekiel James, Joshua Sims, Paxson Willimas, Robert Taylor, Jezelle Eskilida,
Haylee Tippetts, Erik Vincent, Oliver Ownbey, Kassidy Ferguson, Jenna Wadsworth, Nevaeh Meyer, Braiden Williams, Ava Mitchell, James Humphrey, Aysiri Shiujones.
The Hallway warm-up
The Jazz Combo, with solos by James and Erik, made a solid performance of the funk tune, “Crunchy Frog.” The judges offered practical suggestions to the rhythm section, trumpet, and saxophone and complimented their ability to make a big band tune adapt to a combo. The group was given an excellent rating. The Jazz Combo included Kassidy Ferguson, Robert Taylor, Erik Vincent, Oden Halley, Joshua Sims, James Humphrey, and Oliver Ownbey.
The Buccaneer Barbershop– Ezekiel James, James Humphrey, Oliver Ownbey, and Erik Vincent–thrilled the audience with another peak performance of “Shboom” from the UAA stage. They had just the right amount of suave theatrics and smooth vocals and came away with an excellent rating.
In the free midday on Saturday, the group took a break to enjoy the sunshine and Anchorage tourism by renting bikes and cruising the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. The brave bikers enjoyed 11 miles of coastal views, a few moose encounters, and a bear sighting.
Coastal Trail
The Buccaneer musicians were strong and featured several peak performances over the weekend. We look back on a rewarding season with many accomplishments and opportunities to grow as musicians, team members, and young adults, as well as some inspiration for future goals.
Thank you, Valdez City Schools, for providing our travel to State!
