District solo and ensemble is always an important part of the symphonic band season. Students spend months preparing their solos and ensembles to take to District Solo and Ensemble competition at the beginning of March. This year Wind Symphony students faced an extra obstacle with the extra rehearsals required for their MMEA performance. The band students successfully overcame that obstacle and OHS had great success at Solo and Ensemble March 2.

The OHS band took 47 different solos and ensembles this year. Of those 47, nine solos and four ensembles received a superior one rating and are headed to state on April 27.

Sara Ravens (9) played a solo and was part of an ensemble on Saturday. She participated in solo and ensemble in middle school.

“Middle school solo and ensemble was more intimidating because there were less people.” said Ravens.

Her nervousness did not deter her from doing a superior job; both Ravens solo and ensemble are going to state.

Many band students have participated in solo and ensemble for multiple years. Brian Pohl (10) took a solo to districts last year as a freshman and received a two rating. He was happy to have a two for it being his first time. This year Pohl took what judges said about his performance last year to improve as well as practiced “a lot more” this year.

Pohl received a one rating for his solo this year. “Doing solo and ensemble last year gave me more confidence for this year,” said Pohl.

Band director Mr. Vance Brakefield is pleased with the amount of participation in Solo and Ensemble this year as well as proud of the 23 students going to State.