Student musicians heading to state competition

Three students from Blaine High School recently performed at a regional solo and ensemble festival.

The festival, sponsored by the San Juan Music Educators Association, took place at Bellingham High School on January 26.

Timothy Schrader, a senior, performed a tuba solo. Sydney Thrall, a junior, performed a bassoon solo. Stephanie Boczek, a ninth grader, performed an alto saxophone solo.

Each student received feedback from a judge, and also received a number rating. Students who place first in each category are invited to perform at the state solo contest in April.

Schrader took first place on tuba, Thrall took first place on bassoon, and Boczek took second place on alto saxophone.

Schrader and Thrall will now be heading to the state solo contest in April, where first, second and third places are selected.

This is not the first time Schrader will be heading to the state competition. Two years ago, as a sophomore, he placed first at the regional level and third at state. Last year as a junior, he took first place in the regionals and first at state.

Bob Gray, band teacher at Blaine Middle School and Blaine High School, said he was very pleased with all of the students.

“They are all great musicians,” said Gray.