The Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn 7th-8th Instrumental Solo Contest was held April 13 in the middle school band room in Hartley. The 24 instrumentalists were rated on their solo performances by Judge Rich Nicklay.
In addition, Nicklay selected Best of Center perfomers for each of the two grades. Chosen from the 7th Grade was Moriah Otto for her flute solo. There was a tie for Best of Center among the 8th Graders. Getting the nod were baritone player Jack Mastbergen and trumpet player Lainie Raveling.
Nicklay also recognized the low brass section (trombones and baritone) as “outstanding section.” That section included Jack Mastbergen and trombonists Moises Gonzalez and Blaine Finster.
Following are the ratings given.
7th Grade
Trumpet: Lillian Van Loon I.
Alto Sax: Owen Tifft II; David McIlroy I.
Clarinet: Payton Diehm I; Natalie Daggett I; Jordan Lux I.
Flute: Evelyn Steffen II; Moriah Otto I (Best of Center).
Snare: Isaac Schierholz I.
Mallet: Isaac Schierholz I.
8th Grade:
Clarinet: Megan Otto II-; Natalie McDaniel I.
Snare: Skyler Shaffer I-; Aiden Bush I+.
Timpani: Skyler Shaffer I-; Aiden Bush I.
Flute: Olivia Tait I.
Trombone: Moises Gonzalez I+; Blaine Finster I+.
Baritone: Jack Mastbergen I+.
Alto Sax: Ben Waddell II+; Blake Meendering I; Kamryn Ebel I; Jamie Diaz I+.
Trumpet: Jayden Leth II-; Addy Sheeler II+; Lanie Raveling I+.