East Texas Students Excel at UIL State Solo & Ensemble Contest

East Texas student musicians proved their talent and dedication at the UIL State Solo & Ensemble Contest, bringing home top honors in categories ranging from piano solos to full ensembles and twirling routines. Several local schools earned Superior (Rating 1) designations—the highest possible recognition from UIL judges.

Schools Receiving Superior Ratings (Rating 1):

Kirbyville CISD

Kirbyville High School brought home multiple 1st Division Superior ratings:

• Percussion Ensemble – The Storm

  • Kainan Duck, Kadence Kelly, Jonas Wheeler.

• Percussion Ensemble – Takeoffs and Landings

  • Sydney Chambers, Addison Elliott, Rebekah Griffith, Sarah Thames.

• Piano Solo – Nocturnes

  • Panisara Yaklein

Kirbyville High School’s band students proudly pose after earning Superior ratings at the UIL State Solo & Ensemble Contest. (Photo courtesy of Kirbyville CISD)

Buna ISD

• Trombone Quartet – Achieved Is the Glorious Work (from The Creation)

  • Nicholas Buffington, Dallas Crabtree, Evan Hale, Cobe Hancock.

• Six or More Brass Ensemble – Three Inspirations

  • Matthew Brandenburg, Nicholas Buffington, Jack Cabanlet, Dallas Crabtree, Saul Gomez, Evan Hale, Cobe Hancock, Nate Shipley.

Hemphill ISD

• Brass Quintet – Sonata (from Die Bankelsangerlieder)

  • Connor Fenley, Brayden Fowler, Wyatt Heslip, Ewan MacTaggart, Lawson Vickers.

Kountze ISD

• Keyboard Percussion Solo – Strive to be Happy

  • Marjorie Bitong

Silsbee ISD

• Piano Solo – Danzas argentinas, Op. 2

  • Michael Rogers

West Sabine ISD

• Keyboard Percussion Solo – Xylophone Rags

  • Lucas Burrow

• Twirling Solo

  • Elizabeth Smith

• Twirling Ensemble

  • Addison Bailey, Baylee Bennett, Elizabeth Smith.

Keyboard Percussion Solo – Xylophone Rags: Lucas Burrow - Superior Rating. (Photo courtesy of West Sabine ISD)

Twirling Solo - Elizabeth Smith - Superior Rating. (Photo courtesy of West Sabine ISD)

Twirling Ensemble - Addison Bailey, Elizabeth Smith, Baylee Bennett - Superior Rating. (Photo courtesy of West Sabine ISD)

Other Notable Ratings:

Jasper ISD

• Saxophone Quartet – Canon

  • Micah Furlow, Hunter Smith, Riley Thomas, LeRaedrius Thomas — Rating: 2 (Excellent)

Jasper High School Saxophone Quartet. (Photo Courtesy of JISD)

Woodville ISD

• Flute Trio – Six Trios for Three Flutes

  • Olivia Johnson, Claire Voth, Liam Young — Rating: 3 (Good)

West Sabine ISD

• Trombone Trio – Suite for Three Trombones

  • Caleb Powell, Elizabeth Smith, Tanner Worthy — Rating: 2 (Excellent)

• Twirling Solo

  • Baylee Bennett — Rating: 3 (Good)

These accomplishments reflect the remarkable dedication and talent of student musicians throughout East Texas. Each performance—regardless of rating—demonstrates the passion, discipline, and heart these students bring to the stage.

Information compiled from official UIL State Solo & Ensemble results, courtesy of the University Interscholastic League. Written and compiled by Rita Shipp.