Athletes show their skills on a court, mat, or field. Musicians show their skills in front of a judge.

On March 8, seven band and vocal students performed at Hays City Music Festival and received top ratings. Due to a scheduling conflict, the event was held at Hays Middle School instead of Hays High, the traditional location.

“Hays City Music Festival is a middle school band, orchestra, and choir contest for solos, small ensembles, and large groups,” choral director Johnny Matlock said. “Freshmen can also participate.”

Freshman vocalist Hayden Sillmon sings first tenor and received a score of I on his solo.

“I think I did pretty good,” Sillmon said. “It was nerve-wracking performing in front of judges.”

Band director Craig Manteuffel said that the program had been running longer than he had been alive.

“I went for the first time in 1972, and it had been going on before that,” Manteuffel said.

Manteuffel said the performing band members did well.

“I was pleased with all three of them,” Manteuffel said. “The two percussion solos were above average, and Bryce [Davidson]’s judge said his was the most musical solo he’d heard all day, even though it was last.”

Davidson, a freshman tuba player who has participated in Hays City Music Festival for four years, received a score of I+ on his solo and plans to take it to regional competition on April 5.

Davidson shared his experience with the judging process.

“Performing in front of judges wasn’t terrifying, but still not the best feeling in the world,” Davidson said.

Freshman Griffin Lowry, who has performed at the event for three years, received an AP on his percussion solo “The Clave King.”

“I was a little bit nervous, but once I started playing, it felt like the judge wasn’t there,” Lowry said.

Vocal scores:

Hayden Sillmon-I

Madison Crees-I

Anniston Weber-I+

Kristen Nease-AP

Band scores:

Bryce Davidson-I+

Griffin Lowry-AP

Sam Crowley-AP

(The highest score that can be received is an AP. The lowest is a V.)

14nfeyerherm@usd489.com