St. Bede Academy students compete in state music contest

St. Bede Academy senior Chase Leynaud (standing) and freshman Melanie Kim (seated), both received perfect scores (40 out of 40) for performances at the Illinois High School Association's state solo and ensemble contest. Chase sang the Italian ariata “Caro Mio Ben” by Guiseppe Giordani and Melanie performed of “Les Sylphes” by Burgemuller. (Photo contributed)

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PERU — Choral and band members from St. Bede Academy competed in the Illinois High School Association’s state solo and ensemble contest held recently at Mendota High School.

SBA Musical Director Lisa Griggs was pleased with the St. Bede student’s performances. Forty St. Bede students took part, with two students, Chase Leynaud and Melanie Kim, both receiving perfect scores, a remarkable accomplishment. The Academy students earned 15 first-place ratings, 21 second-place ratings, three third- and one fourth-place rating.

Receiving Division I ratings were: Female voice soloists Emily Bantista, Olivia Dean, Jenny Decker, Abby Derix, Chase Leynaud, Molly Mauck, R.C. Schultz and Noelle Taylor. The vocal duet of Molly Mauck and Jenny Decker also a receive first-place rating. Band soloists receiving first place were: Lucy Stanke, flute; Gwen Schulte, snare drum; Jake Cayia, alto saxophone; and Melanie Kim, piano. The saxophone ensemble of Ben Read, Anthony Williams, Nick Kelsey and Jacob Kinsella earned a Division I rating, as did the percussion ensemble of Gwen Schulte, Andrew Voitik, Andrew Loebach and Corey Turinetti.