Aysela Ulkerman

Rhythms and tuned notes collide, melodies and harmonies blend, and the accompanist fills in the gaps. Whether played performing together or as a solo shining in the spotlight, the echoes of the notes will leave a lasting impression.
This February, selected freshman and sophomore band students were invited to perform at the Elkhorn Band Olympics. At this festival, these musicians could either play in a solo or an ensemble containing other musicians. They compete with over twenty other schools in the metro area to receive a rating, or even a chance to score top five in their category.
Every musician starts off the same, picking up an instrument and starting to learn. This could’ve started in music class in sixth grade or growing up listening to delightful pieces ringing in their household.
“I play the alto saxophone,” sophomore Kaitlyn Cole said, “My dad plays so I got to start early, which is good for me.”
In this competition these students were either put into solos or ensembles, both ways they received a score. Scores were distributed in numbers ranging from 1-5. One being the piece was played outstandingly, resulting in a superior rating and five being rated as poor.
“I performed a solo titled ‘Sarabande and Vivace’ by G.F Handel,” sophomore Oscar Cervantes said, “I received a two, or an excellent rating.”
Each song performed by these musicians ranged from nocturnes to jazz pieces. These melodies were interpreted in different ways, representing what the song mainly spoke about.
“‘Jump Jive an’ Wail’ was almost like old fashioned upbeat jazz. It was like a fun song where we could do cool harmonies and include a bass and drum kit.” Cole said.
The perseverance and devotion it takes to get a piece the best it can be takes time. Obstacles and barriers will get in the way, but practice makes perfect.
“The biggest struggle was definitely the first section due to never really practicing and playing those notes,” Cervantes said, “I would have practiced and prepared more than I did.”
Both of these musicians are sophomores, meaning this is their last year participating in EBO. All in all, the experience is really a once in a lifetime experience.
“It was definitely worth it,” Cole said, “I learned to keep on pushing even though we didn’t know if we could play with our rhythm section, I really didn’t know how it was going to work out because of not practicing much with them.”
For many months these talented players have put in their utmost effort into their composed pieces, in the end it is all worth it. Elkhorn Band Olympics is a monumental festival which could lead students to achieve more in their music career down the road. All things considered, it took hard work and dedication to reach the sound of success.