Fair Grove High School Band took seven musicians to compete in State Solo/Small Ensemble at Mizzou University in Colombia, Missouri on May 1, 2025 with five receiving gold and two receiving silver.
Keith Nolan (12) competed with Wyatt Barber (10), and Waylon Wright (11) for Saxophone Trio and received gold, Luke Engel (12) who competed in the Vocal Solo category and received silver, Colin Emery (12) competed in the Alto Saxophone Solo and received gold, Jesse Elliston (11) competed in the Piano Solo and received gold, and Anderson Teaster (9) competed in the Alto Saxophone Solo category and received silver.
The process of getting to compete in State Solo/Small Ensemble is to first prepare a piece either by yourself or with a small group of people to compete at District Solo/Small Ensemble. Next, comes many hours of hard work and dedication. Nolan explained the pressure that comes with competing at Districts.
Nolan explained, “After performing at the district level, you have the chance to get a one rating. If you get a one rating, you then get to go compete at the state level.”
Teaster shared how he prepared for the competition by taking whatever feedback he was given and using that to improve whatever mistakes he was making.
Teaster said, “After getting your piece you would practice the checkout of it and show it to Palamo. Then you would get with an accompanist, who plays the piano and helps keep time with your piece, and practice with them.”
Natalie Palomo, the Band teacher at Fair Grove High School, is also a part of helping the student musicians compete in State. After finding the piece they would like to compete with, they perform it in front of her where she gives feedback and approves of the musical choice.
Palomo saw improvements in all the students after giving feedback. The kids worked to fix comments made by judges at districts to help improve their performance at state competition.
Palomo said, “They practice outside of school and look at the sheet with feedback from judges to continue honing in on a strong performance!”
