Solo and small ensemble band participants went to the state competition on Saturday, April 25 at Emporia High School. Many participants received a one rating, including junior trumpeter Brian Fitzsimmons.

“State went fantastic,” Fitzsimmons said. “The trumpet quartet I was in with [senior] Eric Marquart, [sophomore] Adam Gillette, [senior] Wille Reed and I we got a one so that was really great. “Then my solo got a two.”

Fitzsimmons attributes some of his success at the competition to the relaxed environment.

“I liked how I was more comfortable than in years previous in the solos and ensembles competitions,” Fitzsimmons said. “It was a really fun atmosphere.”

According to freshman flutist Madeline Myrick, her first state competition was successful.

“It’s a cool experience and I wanted to do this since I didn’t get to do it in middle school because I was too shy but I have a chance to do it in high school,” Myrick said.

Myrick said that she enjoyed listening to the music.

“I like performing with people because its fun to see how the music moves and how it sounds,” Myrick said. “Its fun to move your fingers and see how it goes and get awesome and people clap for you.”