Fourteen students from Chicago Height School District 170 recently participated in the Illinois Grade School Music Association's District VI Solo and Ensemble Contest at Liberty Jr. High School in New Lenox.
The event featured hundreds of fifth- through eighth-grade students from schools across the south suburban area who performed vocal, string, woodwind, percussion, piano, and brass solo/ensemble selections.
Judges listened to and rated performances on Intonation, Pitch Accuracy, Balance, Blend, Interpretation, Dynamics, Musicianship, Rhythmic Accuracy, Technique, Diction, and Stage Presentation.
CHSD170 band students who participated at the competition included Jonathan Castillo, Angel Chavez, Liliana Chavez, Alexandria Cowan, Gabrielle Cowan, Samantha Esquivel, Diana Horta, Adalberto Martinez, Mariajose Martinez, Stevie McDonald, Osvaldo Munoz, Benton Pigatti, Jamilet Ramos, and Melany Soto.
The students, under the direction of James Fallinske and Ted Hattan, performed solos accompanied by Music Teacher Carol Colonnelli on piano.
"Each of the students worked diligently for the past three months preparing for the solos both at home and at school rehearsing with Ms. Colonneli," Hattan said.
"All the students expanded their musical knowledge and significantly improved their playing technique," added Fallinske.
"We could not be prouder of their commitment to excellence, or of the superb way they comported themselves as representatives of School District 170," he concluded.