Contact: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Friday, December 11, 2009

Nearly 630 musicians from Fayette County’s middle and high schools braved the spotlight for assessment Nov. 21 at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. Playing alone or in small groups, they stood and performed, and each received written feedback and a rating of distinguished, proficient, apprentice or novice.

Seventy-four percent were deemed distinguished under the rigorous Kentucky Music Educators Association standards; not one student was ranked a novice.

Visiting judge Wade Wiggins of Owensboro said he was astonished at the level of preparedness. Rebecca Goff, the KMEA district festival manager for Fayette County Public Schools, said the high ratings reflect the hard work of the students and teachers and the support of their families.

Congratulations to these high school students selected to perform May 15 at the state Solo & Ensemble Festival:

• From Bryan Station High School: Allie Wood, Rebecca Price and Logan Jackson
• From Henry Clay High School: Julia McCorvey and Daniel Webb
• From Lafayette High School: Jacob Yates, David Takahashi, Heeju Son, Jonathan Karp, Sarah Grindle, Emily Farrer, Amy Fan, Alex DeMoll and Geoff Britton
• From Paul Laurence Dunbar High: Mike Yang, Abbey Smiley, Emily Robbins, Ramya Matam, Prathyu Matam, Chongho Jeon and Sarah Goad