The Goessel High School Music Department participated in several music festivals this spring.

Performing at the Kansas State High School Activities Association Regional Solos and Small Ensembles Festival March 31 at Tabor College in Hillsboro were Erin Brubaker, vocal; Reece Hiebert, vocal; Isabelle Houben, vocal; Samantha Jarvis, vocal; Makayla King, saxophone; Alex Schmidt, vocal; Peter Voth, vocal; Carolin Wetzel, trumpet; the Brass Ensemble and the Trumpet Trio.

In addition, 21 solo performances and 6 ensembles advanced from Regional Festival with I ratings and performed again at State Festival on April 28 at Stucky Middle School in Wichita. The soloists and ensembles who were awarded II ratings at State Festival were Isabelle Houben, double bass; Gracie Sullivan, flute; Gentry Thiesen, vocal; Stephan Goertzen, vocal; Drake Sterk, vocal; D’Ambra Kruger, vocal; Jeffrey Hall, vocal; Georgia Thiesen, flute; Elbiata Mens Ensemble; and Flute Quartet.

The soloists and ensembles who were awarded I ratings at State Festival were Josh Booth, vocal; Erin Brubaker, clarinet; Aimee Flaming, vocal; Grant Flaming, trumpet; Alex Hiebert, vocal; Reece Hiebert, bass clarinet; Alex Schmidt, tuba; Mark Schmidt, flute; Georgia Thiesen, vocal; Braden Unruh, vocal and trumpet; Ben Wiens, clarinet and alto saxophone; Elbiata Singers; Elbiata Womens Ensemble; Saxophone Quartet; and Clarinet Quintet.

These students also performed with the High School Band and Choir at the KSHSAA State Music Festival for large ensembles at Marion High School on April 18. The High School Choir was awarded a II rating. The Band, Mens Chorus, and Womens Chorus were awarded I ratings.

Renae Schmidt Peters instructed vocal numbers and Robert Tierney directed instrumentalists. Accompanists were Marcia Brubaker and Karen Unruh.