The Kearney High School Symphonic Band played in the MSHSAA State Large Group Festival on March 6. They played well and earned “Exemplary” ratings from all four judges. This is the top rating they can receive, earning the Bulldogs a gold medal.
On March 20, several students from the KHS and ninth-grade bands participated in the MSHSAA District Solo and Small Ensemble Festival. Of the 26 events participating, our students earned 20 “Honor Ratings” of either “Exemplary” or “Outstanding.” Those who earned “Exemplary” ratings at the district festival now move on to the state festival on May 2 at the University of Missouri in Columbia.
“We’re proud of all the extra work our students put in to perform this well at the district festival,” Band Director Chris Heil said. “They are carrying on a proud tradition of excellence in our schools!”
District Solo and Small Ensemble Festival Results
| Student(s) | Event Type | Rating |
| Alexandra Kinstler | Alto Saxophone Solo | Exemplary (Gold Medal) |
| Andrew Wemhoff | Soprano Clarinet Solo | Exemplary (Gold Medal) |
| Brenley Cartwright, Jaelyn Thomas, Jordyn Doitchinoff | Flute Trio | Outstanding (Silver Medal) |
| Carter Lydick | Keyboard Mallet Solo | Outstanding (Silver Medal) |
| Charity Smith | Soprano Clarinet Solo | Exemplary (Gold Medal) |
| Charity Smith, Olivia Burgard, James Mack, Jacklyn Kirkland | Mixed Clarinet Quartet | Satisfactory |
| Daisy Burnam | Soprano Clarinet Solo | Exemplary (Gold Medal) |
| Daisy Burnam | Piano Solo | Outstanding (Silver Medal) |
| Eric Thibodeau | Trumpet Solo | Satisfactory |
| Hailey Robertson | Flute Solo | Exemplary (Gold Medal) |
| Hayden Rulon | Trumpet Solo | Satisfactory |
| Jacklyn Kirkland | Soprano Clarinet Solo | Outstanding (Silver Medal) |
| Jaelyn Thomas | Flute Solo | Outstanding (Silver Medal) |
| Kaycie Springer | Oboe Solo | Outstanding (Silver Medal) |
| Klara Wentzel | Flute Solo | Exemplary (Gold Medal) |
| Mary Shaw, Kelsey Pratt, Emelyn Kane | Trombone Trio | Developing |
| Maxwell Parker | Snare Drum Solo | Outstanding (Silver Medal) |
| Megan Grider | Baritone Saxophone Solo | Exemplary (Gold Medal) |
| Megan Grider, Charity Smith, Klara Wentzel | Mixed Woodwind Trio | Exemplary (Gold Medal) |
| Megan Grider, Elizabeth Demers, Alexandra Kinstler | Saxophone Trio | Exemplary (Gold Medal) |
| Myia Odegaard | Soprano Clarinet Solo | Satisfactory |
| Olivia Kinstler | Oboe Solo | Exemplary (Gold Medal) |
| Phoebe Taylor | Flute Solo | Exemplary (Gold Medal) |
| Reagan Bailey | Soprano Clarinet Solo | Satisfactory |
| Rylee Johnson | Trumpet Solo | Outstanding (Silver Medal) |
| Scott Crowley | Trumpet Solo | Outstanding (Silver Medal) |