The Big Sandy Music program distinguished itself at the state music competition last weekend in Helena. The performance happened after Big Sandy took 17 students to the district competition. Seven of those students qualified for the state competition. All seven scored very well, with one student achieving the best score possible in the competition.
TJ Bond, who teaches music in Big Sandy, explained the performances, beginning with the district competition. "At districts we had over 50 students on the bus to compete for full band and choir. Students also competed in Solo/Ensemble competitions at districts.
Mr. Bond explained that music competitions are different from more traditional sporting competitions. Rather than defeating other teams to advance, the performers earn scores that reflect their performance quality. "It's more like they compete against themselves.You could have lots of different groups getting a 'one' score, but the goal is getting to that level. It's almost like a gigantic mega test." They are then advanced to higher levels if they qualify based on their score. Students receives scores based on their performances on a scale of 1 to 5: Superior (1), Excellent (2), Good (3), Fair (4), and Poor (5).
At the District competitions, Big Sandy band and choir both received "Excellent" (2) ratings for their performances at the district competition. In addition, the band received a "Superior" rating (1) for their sight reading. Among the solo/ensemble competitors: Hunter Moore (vocal solo), Severin Heimbigner (vocal solo), the Sandy Select, Sandy Sweethearts, and the Water is Wide Quartet all received "Excellent" (2) ratings. Superior (1) scores were awarded to Josh Hagen and Jaxon Jones for their trumpet duet, Hunter Moore for his Trumpet Solo, Darrell Sunchild for his Euphonium Solo, Heather Sherburn for her Trombone Solo, Alleyah Eagleman and Jaime Jones for their flute duet, Jamie Jones for her Flute Solo, and Hunter Moore and Darrell Sunchild for their Brass Duet.
The seven students/ensembles who scored "Superior" in the district competition were advanced to the State Competition in Helena. There is no full band or choir state level competitions at state. TJ explained that for "the individual and groups, we had about 17 Kids who competed at districts. Of which, seven of them moved on to state competition. Specifically for state competition in Helena. This last weekend, everyone got at least a two which is a very good rating, but one got a specifically the highest rating which is superior. That'd be Heather Sherburn. So extra congratulations to her."
Heather's trombone solo piece was Canzonetta by Mozart. Mr. Bond explained that "It's kind of like a little mix of a dance and a lullaby, but she did a really nice job capturing the style and unique rhythm of it."
Regarding the overall performance, TJ pointed out that, "All of the students played really well, especially since many of the students were taking their first trip to state competitions. That's something great to see, especially with how young some of them are. We had a lot of sophomores and freshmen this year, which that's pretty impressive for state." The impressive showing from such young student points to a bright future for the program as the young Big Sandy musicians grow in experience and skill.
