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Devin Raynor

Sophomore Lukas Wrede and senior Claudia Scroggins rehearse the song “Ode to Joy” in preparation for the District Orchestra Festival, which took place at 7 p.m. April 7 in the Fieldhouse. This year, Park is a part of the larger 6AA region.

Sophomore Lukas Wrede, a violin player participating in this year’s solo ensemble competition, said he looks forward to his performance after last year’s success.

According to orchestra director Miriam Edgar, the competition includes schools from a larger region, which is different from previous years.

“It is the 6AA region, which includes more than just our smaller West Metro conference. It includes bigger schools like Wayzata and Edina,” Edgar said.

Edgar said solo ensemble is an event where students can hone their musical skills.

“The Minnesota State solo ensemble competition is more of an opportunity for students to get feedback on their own performances,” Edgar said. “Adjudicators come and listen to students perform (individually) as well as small groups of 23 students or less.”

According to Wrede, in preparation for solo ensemble, participants must purchase a copy of the music they will play and practice that piece.

“You have to practice your song. You also have to buy an original copy of the piece you are playing for the judge. It’s a state requirement,” Wrede said.

Wrede said during solo ensemble, the performances occur in various rooms around the school where the judges watch and critique the musicians.

“There is a schedule for people participating. They are assigned a judge and a classroom, and they go at a certain time and perform,” Wrede said.

Edgar said she is optimistic for this year because of the success of previous years.

“Last year there was this huge sense of teamwork. Not only did we need tons of parent volunteers but students had to really work together to make things happen. It made me feel really confident in our program,” Edgar said.

Wrede said he wants to receive a high rating from the judges and to perform to the best of his ability.

“My goal for solo ensemble this year is to get a superior rating and do the best that I can,” Wrede said.

Edgar said solo ensemble benefits the orchestra program because it allows individual musicians and groups to improve.

“(Solo ensemble) usually goes well. It’s really good to get feedback. It has brought our standards up because when I first came here, we got excellents and I think my second or third year we started receiving superiors,” Edgar said.