Band, orchestra students compete in Rotary Solo competition

Freshman Pnina Tofler performs her piece, “Sonata in G” in the 9th and 10th grade division.

By Cara Martinez

Staff Writer

Costa band and orchestra students participated in the Rotary Preliminary Solo Competition on Thursday and Friday in the small theatre.

Each contestant prepared a piece under three minutes and they were judged on rhythm, pulse of the piece, tempo, accuracy, correct articulation, difficulty of the piece and other musical aspects. Students who received high scores from the adjudicators will move on to the competition finals. See below for the list of finalists.

“I have practiced a lot and I have worked with my private teacher to get all of the intricate details of my piece,” Band finalist Emily Angstreich said. “I have also been practicing for an hour everyday to get me this far.”

The finalists will perform their pieces on Feb. 3 in the auditorium and the winners who place first, second and third will receive cash prizes. Contestants who make it further than finals will get to participate at the Rotary Breakfast in March.

“I am looking forward to being able to play with piano accompaniment and to gain more confidence in my piece,” Orchestra finalist Wendy Roble said.

Band Finalists:

Freshman and sophomore band finalists: Adam Aronesty, Bella Arnao, Nadia Owen, Pnina Tofler

Junior and senior band finalists: Angelique Angelastro, Emily Angstreich, Pleia Hall, Lauren Schlick, Jonathan Sklar

Orchestra Finalists:

Freshman and sophomore orchestra finalists: Rachel Clinton, Lucy Konsmo, Eric Mei, Ethan Park, Neena Patil, Elyse Randolph

Junior and senior orchestra finalists: Chistina Chong, Audrey Kim, Morgan Montgomery, Wendy Roble, George Rochelle, Steven Tse