~Information about choral ratings added April 8
A Greene County High school saxophone quartet and an alto saxophone soloist were awarded “Best of Center” honors at the March 29 state solo and ensemble contest in Jefferson. At the end of the day, each judge selects one performance for the honor. There were six centers at the contest. “Best of Center” events from all over Iowa perform in May at Iowa State University.
The quartet includes (from left) senior Michael Von Stein on tenor saxophone, freshman Michael Kennedy on baritone saxophone, sophomore Emily Joy on alto saxophone and senior Jasmine Mobley on soprano saxophone. Mobley, a two-time All-State musician, performed an alto sax solo in another center and garnered “Best of Center” honors there.
Band director Becky Greiner reported that instrumentalists earned 30 “I” ratings, 17 “II” ratings, and nine “III” ratings. On the choral side, students received seven “I” ratings, 12 “II” ratings, and 10 “III” ratings. “We had very tough judges, but the kids stepped up and, in my opinion, did very well,” choir director Dave Heupel said.
Musicians from ADM, Ballard, Boone, Gilbert, Nevada and North Polk also performed. The solo and ensemble contest is held under the auspices of the Iowa High School Music Association.
