Students from Ilwaco High School aced regional competitions and qualified for the Washington State Solo and Ensemble Contest at Central Washington University in Ellensburg.
Two sections won first place at regional competitions: the percussion ensemble trio of Leland Cunningham, Ashton Cherry and Grover Kilburn, and the brass trombone duet of Hayden Gentry and Jace Linthankan.
Two soloists were honored. Isaak Alires-Menconi will be the first harp soloist from the region to perform at state. And Penelope Shell, bass clarinet, earned a state alternate position.
Ilwaco’s two Mariachi groups were also well represented.
Mariachi Oro y Azul claimed first place at regionals and will advance. Members are Aliyanna Hudson, Sophia Bailey, Autumn Shaw, Hayden Gentry and Blake Bell.
Mariachi Pescador earned an alternate placement. Members are Juliet Perez, Claudia Anastaio Sebastian, Priscilla Francis, Hailey Barretta, Klohe Castillo, Caden Perez and Ismael Murruitta Lenardo.
Adjudicators added a composition category for this year’s contest. Ilwaco’s Joy Bickle and Juliet Perez submitted their original song, earning a spot at state.
At state, students from smaller schools like Ilwaco compete against schools of all sizes, including 4A.