Indianapolis, Indiana – Marion Community Schools is celebrating the outstanding achievements of its student musicians after an impressive showing at the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) State Solo & Ensemble competition. More than three dozen students from Marion High School and McCulloch Junior High participated in the prestigious event, demonstrating remarkable talent and dedication.
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Among these talented performers, seven students earned the highest possible recognition—Gold with Distinction—an honor reserved for those who display an exceptional level of musical excellence. This achievement highlights their commitment, skill, and perseverance in a competition that requires musicians to perform challenging pieces at the highest level.
Each year, ISSMA hosts regional and state competitions for instrumentalists, vocalists, and pianists. To qualify for the state competition, students must first earn a Gold rating in Division 1, the most demanding category, at the regional level. Those who advance then compete against some of the best young musicians in the state. This year, the vocal and piano state competition took place on February 22, followed by the instrumental competition on March 1.
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Marion’s Gold with Distinction winners include:
• Madelynn Boogar (sophomore) – Marimba solo
• Aliya Cruz (sophomore) – Vocal solo
• Noah Gilreath (senior) – Marimba solo
• Caleb Huff (senior) – Marimba solo
• Colin Royse (sophomore) – Vocal solo
• Macey Wayman (freshman) – Vocal solo
• Zoey Wayman (junior) – Vocal solo
Gold
• Ethan Boogar, senior, earned Gold with two solos: vocal and baritone
• Madelynn Boogar, sophomore, timpani solo
• Cecilia Hancock, 7th grade, vocal solo
• Hannah Huff, freshman, earned Gold with two solos, vocal and flute
• Justin Peters, junior, trombone solo
• Vocal ensemble: Selah Craig, Brooklynne Smith, sophomores; Hannah Huff, Macey Wayman, freshmen
• Vocal ensemble: Zoey Wayman, junior; Aliya Cruz, Lucy Jenkins, sophomores; Skylar Boogar, freshman
• Percussion ensemble: Caleb Huff, Jacob Wood, Kyliegh Yeakle, seniors; Chayim Hofmann, junior; Madelynn Boogar, Bralen Davis, Evan Knight, sophomores; Jessi Adaway, freshman
• Jazz saxophone quartet: Ashton Circle, Gavin Johnson, Alexa Ortiz, Axel Ortiz, sophomores
Flute quartet: Eliana Campanero, Benjamin Havens, Hannah Huff, Quynh “Kate” Nguyen, freshmen
Silver
• Colin Royse, sophomore, piano solo
• Axel Ortiz, sophomore, alto saxophone solo
• Manuel Trejo, junior, trumpet solo
• Vocal ensemble: Ethan Boogar, senior; Nolan Berryhill, Micah Hawkins, Colin Royse, Nick Smith, Davon Young, sophomores, King Henriquez, freshman
• Brass quintet: Sarah Terhune, Donald West, seniors; Justin Peters, Jehren Smithley, Manuel Trejo, juniors
