Kingfisher’s band program saw an increase this year in the number of students who took part in the OSSAA’s solo and ensemble district contests.

“The OSSAA changed the solo rule this year so the student didn’t have to memorize their solo to advance to state,” said Kingfisher Band Director Mandy Owens. “This change gave many students the confidence to attempt a solo for the first time.”

In fact, Kingfisher had 38 students between the high school and middle school programs participate March 7 in the district contest at Mustang.

And a number of them advanced to state.

To advance, performers must earn a “superior” or a “1” from the judges.

High school band members who qualified as soloists were: Ximena Agundiz, flute; Katie Diedrich, flute; Jaelle Farrell, clarinet; Monica Mojica, clarinet; Jackson Leffingwell, baritone saxophone; Coltyn Young, trombone; and Zoe Yandell, tuba.

The depressed bass quartet of Brenden Hill (trumpet), Tyler Roman (trombone), Sarah Sanders (trombone) and Young also qualified.

Middle school students who qualified for state as soloists were: Emily Altizer, flute; KC Ortega, flute; Keira Laudwig, clarinet; Alex Montiel, snare.

The woodwind quintet of Altizer, Hannah Click (flute), Ortega, Laudwig, and Colton Livingston (clarinet) also received a “superior.”

The trombone duet of Alezandro Cuellar and Will Neuman scored a “1” as well.

High school students who earned an “excellent” rating or a “2” were: Flute trio of Agundiz, Diedrich and Erica Jenkins-Farris; clarinet quartet of Ana Cuellar, Farrell, Syra Littlehawk and Mojica; saxophone quartet of Jett Matson, Emily Duncanson, Clayton Weinmeister and Leffingwell; and trumpet soloist Brenden Hill.

Also taking part were the percussion ensemble of Ronnie Porter, Coleman Kitchens, Andrew Osborn and Kaden Miller.

The middle school students to earn “excellent” ratings for their solos were Adah Anderman (alto sax), Colton Livingston (clarinet), Aryne Bollenbach (flute) and JW Struck (alto sax).

The trumpet trio of Angel Muñoz, Dakota Feige and Lyndsi Moyeda and the snare trio of Benton Sauer, Jackson Miller and Alex Montiel also earned “2” ratings.

Receiving “good” ratings were Jimmy Collings and Angela Muñoz for their trumpet solos and the trumpet duet of London Willson and Dakota Feige.

The coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of the state contest, which was scheduled April 22-23 in Stillwater.