One Final Note

Everybody wants a “1”. The prospect of scoring the highest possible rating is an intense motivator for ambitious EHS musicians hoping to make it to the Kansas State Solo and Ensemble Festival. The journey begins, however, at Regionals on April 9 at Mill Valley High School where EHS students will be competing in front of a single judge for the best score.

Freshman Isabel Barrera will be competing for the first time this year.

“I’m actually pretty nervous because I picked a very difficult solo. I also feel that my family, Mr. Johnson and others have high expectations for me that I won’t be able to meet. This being my first competition however, I can set the bar and keeping moving up from there,” said Barrera, who is planning to play a solo flute piece.

For another student, Zachary Shoemaker, this will be the last time he competes at Regionals.

“Going into regionals knowing this is my last time brings a lot of emotions out because this is the last chance I have to prove myself,” Shoemaker said.

“This competition is a lot more difficult from others I’ve been in, as the bar is set much higher. My goal is to leave knowing I performed to the best of my ability.”

Zachary will be performing a clarinet solo, as well a vocal solo for the choir.