Feb. 7 marked the morning that IHS music students frantically ran around Lake Washington High School, trying to find the practice room before their performance. Some checked to see if the library was open so they could print their sheet music last-minute while others searched for their duet or ensemble members.
These student musicians were competing in a state-wide competition called Solo and Ensemble. They receive written feedback and critiques from judges, all of whom are professional musicians. Afterward, the competitors in each division are ranked and the winner of each division advances to the state competition in May. The winners at the state competition will go on to compete at nationals.
IHS competes in the Northlake region – one of the most competitive regions in the state. Musicians spend several months preparing for the competition, dedicating hours of practice both in and out of class. Freshman Phoebe Roberts (she/her) has been playing viola for three years. She competed in the solo viola division and also performed a duet. Roberts said one of the most difficult parts of performing in front of judges is managing her nerves. However, her competition preparation process helped her make up for such challenges.
“I started practicing seven months before Solo and Ensemble because my piece was designed to push me forward a lot,” Roberts said. “I couldn’t play it at the start, and then after a lot of months of repetition and drills, it eventually became playable.”
Roberts said she believes musical competitions such as Solo and Ensemble are wonderful opportunities for aspiring musicians to improve no matter their performance. She said that the experience is more valuable than winning.
“I messed up a lot, but I think even that was valuable because I was really able to learn from my mistakes and get feedback from a professional,” Roberts said. “Getting that performance in really helps you grow as a player.”
Junior Emily Peng (she/her) has been playing flute for eight years. Her flute ensemble focused on developing a smooth harmony between the multiple types of flutes. Each member of the ensemble worked closely with each other, ensuring that everyone knew how to mingle with each others’ parts.
“The piece was chosen by January. We started just making sure everyone could play the notes,” Peng said.
The ensemble listened to the music together at first, then adjusted their techniques after consulting each other. Peng’s flute ensemble also qualified for the state competition after their performance. Peng said she and her teammates are excited to compete and have grown closer with each other through the preparation process.
“We have to do a lot of cueing to make sure we cut off together, start together, move together,” Peng said.
