Mason High School Solo & Ensemble Shines at State Festival
The Mason High School Band program had plenty to celebrate following this year's State Solo and Ensemble Festival, with Bulldog musicians turning in one of their strongest performances in recent memory. Competing across 47 events, the ensemble earned an impressive 40 First Division Ratings, the highest honor available, along with six, Second Division Ratings and one, Third Division Rating.
The following students earned top ratings in their events:
- Solos: Maire Lark, Jane Mullin, Rebecca Slezak, and Isla Watson (Flute); Sophia Le (Oboe); Caleb Duane (Bassoon); Rachel Harper, Alexis Miller, and Mikayla Rice (Clarinet); Amelia Petrie (Bass Clarinet); Frank Baumer, Mercilee Frisell, and Jacob Pier (Alto Saxophone); Caleb Duane, Ethan Rice, and Gavin Smith (Tenor Saxophone); Sean Utter (Trumpet); Trevor Brown and Tristan Droscha (French Horn); Colin Sutberry (Trombone); Lena Berridge, Luke Koppin, and Michael Utter (Euphonium); Ciaran Bengtsson (Marimba); and Laurie Baumer (Harp).
- Duets: Jane Mullin & Rebecca Slezak (Flute); Sophia Le & Pax Stone (Oboe); Marie Lark & Mikayla Rice (Flute/Clarinet); Isabella McNary & Amelia Petrie (Clarinet); Rachel Harper & Ainsley Richard (Clarinet); Amelia Petrie & Rebecca Senzoga (Bass Clarinet); Mikayla Rice & Ethan Rice (Clarinet/Saxophone); Dane Boyle & Mercilee Frisell (Saxophone); Ethan Rice & Tristan Droscha (Saxophone/French Horn); Chelsea Smith & Lena Berridge (Clarinet/Euphonium); Rebecca Senzoga & Chloe Church (Bass Clarinet/Euphonium); and Briquelle Trotter & Michael Utter (Trombone/Euphonium).
- Ensembles: Eva Calhoun, Chelsea Smith, and Isla Watson (Woodwind Trio); Frank Baumer, Caleb Duane, Brody Pulling, and Zach Pulver (Quartet); and Caleb Ball, Vaughn Vandecar, Trevor Brown, Luke Koppin, and Tristan Short (Brass Quintet).
Earning Second Division Ratings were Ainsley Richard (Clarinet Solo), Rebecca Senzoga (Bass Clarinet Solo), Caleb Ball (Trumpet Solo), Vaughn Vandecar (French Horn Solo), Luke Koppin & Morgan Wheeler (Euphonium/Tuba Duet), and Sam Carter & Alex Cockroft (Marimba Duet).
Caleb Ball and Colin Sutberry earned a Third Division Rating in the Trumpet and Trombone Duet.
Congratulations to all Mason musicians and their directors on an outstanding showing at this year's state festival. Go Bulldogs!
Related News Articles
The 98th Michigan FFA State Convention witnessed fierce competition as teams vied for the top honors in the Parliamentary Procedure Contest. The finals, held March 4-5, saw teams showcasing their knowledge and skills in fundamental aspects of effective meeting management, group decision-making and leadership.
After rigorous rounds of district and regional level competition, the Mason FFA Chapter emerged victorious as the winners of the 2026 Michigan FFA Parliamentary Procedure Contest. The winning team was comprised of Wesley Rogers, Katie Hills, Ellen Picken, Alex Cargill, Emma Whipple, Maya Olvera and Bryce Crowl. Their dedication, teamwork and mastery of parliamentary procedure principles set them apart in this prestigious competition.
Don't miss Mason Middle School's Evening of the Arts! The fine arts teachers and their students will host the annual event on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 6 - 9 PM.
Mason Public Schools (MPS) and Steele Elementary were honored to welcome State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko for a special visit on March 4, 2026! During the visit, Dr. Maleyko met with students, toured classrooms and read stories to to kick off March is Reading Month. He was joined by Michigan Board of Education (BOE) member Dr. Mitchell Robinson, who also read to students and answered questions; MPS BOE President Liz Evans; Superintendent Dr. Gary Kinzer and Steele Principal Craig Kueffner.
North Aurelius Elementary had a very special guest reader this week when State Senator Sarah Anthony stopped by to celebrate March Is Reading Month!
Mason Middle School (MMS) Assistant Principal Mary Hilker-Loch has been selected as the new Principal at MMS. She will assume the role at the start of the 2026-27 school year after the retirement of current Principal Ted Berryhill.
