Marlow High School state solo finalists for band and vocal recently traveled to their separate state locations where they received high rankings.

The four band soloists, sophomore Emily Taylor on flute, junior Mason Seeley on clarinet, senior Blair Khohler on trombone and senior Tyler Gibbs on the marimba, traveled to Oklahoma State University on April 22.

Making it to the state level is a big accomplishment, according to band director Billy Daniel.

“All of these soloists have worked hard to get this far and have put many of hours outside of class into their solos,” Daniel said.

Senior Tyler Gibbs and sophomore Emily Taylor walked away with superior ratings and are now state winners.

Taylor says she was shocked when she received her score of superior.

“I actually thought I was going to get a lower score because I am a sophomore and do not have much experience,” Taylor said.

Both Daniel and vocal director Brent Logan say they are very proud of all of the soloists hard work and for their accomplishments.

The eight vocal soloists, sophomores Emily Anderson, Jessica Caldwell, Caitlynn Goodman and Melissa Valencia; juniors Kaylee Brooks, Kaitlynn Kizarr and Rebecca Whiteman and senior Brianna Boyce traveled to Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee on April 23 for the state solo vocal contest.

Juniors Kaylee Brooks and Rebecca Whiteman and senior Brianna Boyce received superior ratings at the state contest.

Logan says he is proud of the three state winners but was hoping for more ratings of superior.

“I have mixed feelings about the scores but am proud of the three who got superior scores,” Logan said.

Junior Rebecca Whiteman says she was not sure how she would do until she started singing for the judge.

“At first I was not sure, but when I started singing, my judge looked up at me and smiled. That is when I knew I got a one,” Whiteman said.

Logan said he is looking forward to more people being involved in solo competitions.

“Next year I plan on having a greater showing,” Logan said.

Allie Custer and Melissa Valencia

MHS exPRESS