Cape Central musicians advance to state finals

At the District Solo/Ensemble Festival hosted by Cape Central High School in March, several students earned "Superior" or "Excellent" ratings. Students earning a Superior rating qualified to compete at the upcoming State Music Festival in Columbia on May 3.

Students winning "Superior" ratings were Alex Dunn, Viola Solo; Janna Trautwein, Violin Solo; Tanner Hankins, Violin Solo; Josh Wen, Violin Solo; Penny Robinson, Viola Solo; Owen Hill, Cello Solo.

Students earning an "Excellent" rating were: Janna Trautwein and Katie Beaton, Violin & Cello Duet; Emily Long, Violin Solo; Nicholaus Smentkowski, Bass Solo; Matt Pirtle, Violin Solo and Bass Solo; Mallory Dickson, Cello Solo; Lauren Bishop, Violin Solo.

"These students are blessed to have parents who provided them a decent instrument to play and also nagged them to practice," said orchestra director Steven Schaffner. "Words can't describe how proud of them I am."