Downers Grove North High School student musicians participated in the Illinois High School Association State Solo and Ensemble Contest on March 7, 2009.
Thirty-four events from Downers Grove North High School received a Division I rating of SUPERIOR. A Division I score is categorized as “A Superior Performance – outstanding in nearly every detail.” In addition, thirty-six events from Downers Grove North High School received a Division II rating of OUTSTANDING. A Division II score is categorized as “An excellent performance – only minor defects.”
“Preparing for a Solo and Ensemble contest is a great opportunity for our students to express their individualism as soloists and to develop team-work skills with small ensembles,” said Brayer Teague, Fine Arts Department Chair at North High. “We’re very proud of all our students who entered the state contest this year. They did a terrific job representing North High with their musicianship.”
Two North High events received “Best of Day” Awards. Clarinet soloist John O’Hara, as well as ensemble members Marie Kirkegaard (clarinet), Kirsten Keller (flute) and Kevin Gupana (oboe) were recognized by judges to be the most outstanding performers of the day in their performance venues.
The following North High Music Events received a “Division I—Superior” rating.
Solos
• Erick Burkiewicz (Marimba)
• Chloe Burnham (Violin)
• Tom Cannan (Vocal)
• Carrah Demos (Vocal)
• Faith Enenbach (Violin)
• Kevin Gupana (Oboe)
• Michelle Hsu (Marimba)
• Faisal Khurshid (Snare Drum)
• Lauren Kovanko (Viola)
• Andrew Kuikman (Multiple Percussion)
• Kristen Lemke (Vocal)
• Colin Ludlow (Vocal)
• Meghan Lyda (Cello)
• John O’Hara (Clarinet) * Best of Day Award
• Jon Parthun (Marimba)
• Madeline Poortinga (Violin)
• Rudy Rendek (Violin)
• Nick Rudy (Cello)
• Emma Sassano (Marimba)
• Hannah Shatzer (Oboe)
• Caroline Sterr (Vocal)
• Isaac Stevenson (Marimba)
• Isaac Stevenson (Snare Drum)
• James Tandaric (Violin)
• Mike Walser (Alto Saxophone)
• Hannah Young (Harp)
• Ayden Zarkhah (Violin)
Ensembles
• Clarinet Ensemble: Kurt Meyer, John O’Hara
• Keyboard Percussion Ensemble: Emma Sassano, Jordan Depeder, Derek Mitchell, Rachel Greenwood
• Membrane Percussion Ensemble: Faisal Khurshid, PJ O’Hara
• Mixed Wind Ensemble: Marie Kirkegaard, Kirsten Keller, Kevin Gupana * Best of Day Award
• String Ensemble: Meghan Lyda, Lauren Kovanko
• String Ensemble: Meghan Lyda, Hannah Young
• String Ensemble: Madeline Poortinga, Kelsey Draeger
