JHS MUSICIANS BRING HOME '1' STATE MARKS

Jackson High School musicians who received a "1" rating in ensemble competition at state band competition last weekend are (front row, from left) Jon Reno, saxophone; Jennfier Hurst, percussion; Amy Vrbosky, percussion; Scott Lane, percussion; Julie Litzelfelner, percussion; Ryan Vangilder, percussion; (back row) Chad Schuessler, bassoon; John Klenhample, saxophone; Ben Hinchey, saxophone; Tony Baker, bassoon; Brad Mirly, bassoon; Abby Burlbaugh, flute; Amanda Crouch, flute; and Jennifer Stiegemeyer, flute.

Experience made a big difference for Jackson High School musicians competing at the state band contest last weekend.

The JHS band students brought home 10 "1" ratings in solo competition and five "1" marks in ensemble divisions.

A number of the musicians were there for at least their second year of state competition. Many agreed that the added experience made a difference.

"I knew what I was getting into a lot better," said junior Amanda Crouch, who has performed vocal, instrumental and piano solos and ensemble numbers during state competitions. "I kind of know what the judges were looking for and I knew may way around campus a little bit better."

Crouch received a "1" for piano solo this spring. She thinks the piano may be the toughest competition she has tackled at the state level.

"I think it was a little bit tougher," she said. "A lot of it is the luck of the draw and what judge you get."

"The experience definitely helped," agreed senior Ben Hinchey, who received "1's" in both alto saxophone solo and saxophone ensemble. "You know your way around campus and you know how judges expect you to act."

Even sophomore Ryan Vangilder had a previous year's state experience under his belt when he took part in a "1" rated percussion ensemble.

"It was a little bit easier this year<' he said. "I knew my way around campus and knew how to prepare myself and not being nervous."

The JHS program, under the direction of Pat Schwent, saw the following musicians receive "1" ratings: Jon Kleinhample, saxophone; Matt Palisch, baritone, Jon Reno, saxophone; Hinchey, saxophone; Crouch, piano; Brad Mirly, bassoon; Bobby Abernathy, trumpet; Josh Bollinger, saxophone; Keturah Kiehl, flute; and Jaci Heath flute.

Ensembles receiving "1" marks were bassoon (Chad Schuessler, Tony Baker and Brad Mirly), saxophone (Hinchey, Jon Reno and Kleinhample), flute (Abby Burlbaugh, Crouch and Jennifer Stiegemeyer), and percussion (Jennifer Hurst, Amy Vrbosky, Scott Lane, Julie Litzelfelner and Vangilder).

Long hours of practice are the key to success.

"Practice is the main thing," Vangilder said, when asked to give advice to beginning band students. "Work hard and listen to a lot of other people -- a lot of different styles."

"There was a lot of work involved, leading up to state," Hinchey said. "It was great to come back and have success. It makes all the time I put into it worth it."