Kingston percussionists Superior at state

STILLWATER — A number of Kingston instrumental musicians brought home state medals.
Headlining the outing was the percussion ensemble which earned a "I" (Superior) rating at the State Solo & Ensemble Contest at Oklahoma State University. Members are Nathan Cook, Brandon Edison, Destiny Hughes, John Jackson, Joseph Jackson, Preston Lunsford, Calli Rogers and Nathan Brown.
Director Orien Landis said the ensemble turned in an outstanding performance of the difficult piece.
"I thought they played really well, and you could tell the judge did too," Landis said. "At one point, he was over there smiling and nodding his head."
Landis said the other percussion ensemble also performed well, and received a II (Excellent) rating. Members are Nathan Brown, Brendon Edison, Aaron King, Taylor Justus, Jonas McGahey, Austin Williams. Landis said the musicians discovered they had arrived in Stillwater without their sheet music and were forced to perform the selection from memory, despite the fact that they had never done so in the past.
"So considering that, I thought they did well," Landis said. "There were a couple of parts where they weren't quite locked in, but for the most part, it was pretty good."
The trombone choir also earned a II rating. Members are Thomas Sedrick, Ben Whipkey, Chance Williams and Jordan Wise.
"I was pretty happy with the way they played," Landis said. "There were a few intonation problems, and I think part of that was due to the difference between the temperature in the room where we warmed up and the room we played in."
Landis pointed out that many of the instrumentalists who qualified for state are underclassmen and several are middle school students, which bodes well for future solo and ensemble contests.
"The experience will definitely help," Landis said. "The judging is a little tougher at state, and you kind of get used to that and play with more confidence."