On Saturday, March twenty-third, nine New Haven High School students participated in East Central’s district competition.
There was one trio for choir, including Ryan Stutzman, Lucy Hoener, and Emily Delgado. There were two choir soloists, Russell Pinnell and Hunter Garren. There were also four band soloists who competed: Emily Delgado, Alaina Scott, Casey Baker, and Grace Allgaier.
At ECC’s district competition, students are given rankings one through five. A one is the highest ranking and means the performance was exemplary. A two is the next-highest rating and means it was outstanding. Three means satisfactory, four means developing, and a five means ineffective.
If you achieve a one, then you get to move up to state competitions. Russell Pinnell was the only member that achieved a one.
Russell Pinnell, a choir soloist, was asked about how he felt during his solo. He said, “I felt fine until I messed up, but I just kept going, like you are supposed to. My advice for someone doing a solo is that if you mess up, just keep going.”
Emily Delgado, a member of the choir trio, answered the same question. She responded, “I, myself, was very nervous and then I felt like I could have had a bit more preparation for it.”
When asked about what advice she would give to anyone doing a trio, Emily said, “Don’t put off choosing your songs and practice them in the last month or two before districts. Start practicing them earlier.”
Congratulations and good luck at state, Russell!