On March 5, numerous students a part of the FHN band and choir competed in the District 12 Music Festival to qualify for the Missouri state competition. The state competition will be held on April 28 in Columbia, Missouri at the Mizzou campus and students competing in the competition will get the opportunity to stay in the Mizzou dorms. To qualify for state, participants needed to score a one out of five, or exemplary, at the district level. Amelia Chruma, a junior at FHN, is a two time state attendee and has qualified for state her freshman, sophomore and junior years. 

“Definitely a little nerve wracking,” Chruma said. “But I knew I was prepared so I went in there and did the best I could.” 

Chruma competed a trombone solo at the district level and earned a one or exemplary, sending her to state for her third time. Junior Kaitlyn Le is another member of the FHN band who earned a one in two categories: clarinet trio and mixed woodwind quartet. 

“Since it’s my first time, it’s really exciting,” Le said. “It’s my first time going to state and I think it’s gonna help me with next year since next year, I’m going to probably do more solo and ensemble and be in more groups.”

For Le, getting the opportunity to compete at the state level will be a new and exciting experience that will better prepare her for her future in band. For a veteran like Chruma, qualifying for state is another feather in her cap. 

“It feels good that I’ve qualified both my freshman year,” Chruma said. “And then I got a one at state virtually my sophomore year, so I’m just happy to keep up the streak.”