This year’s Solo and Ensemble competition was on Saturday, March 3rd at Benton High School.  Solo and Ensemble is a singing and playing competition for soloists and groups of two or more people.  Each performer is assigned a certain room and time slot to perform in.  At that time, they will go to their designated room to perform.  Next, the scales and triads are played on the piano by the accompanist.  The students then perform the piece they have selected.  Later in the day, performers find out how they did as their scores are posted.  The CHS choir and band students participate in this competition every year.  In 2016 and 2017, Carterville High School was the host of the competition.  When Carterville hosted, many students helped out with grading sheets, doors, and cleaning up after the event.  Mrs. Arnett, who is the CHS choir director, is excited that the choir students are taking advantage of opportunities that some are not able to have.  She says, “There is a lot of music being taken this year, and it’s a good thing!”  This year, there was an abundance of students who got over their fears of singing or playing an instrument in front of a judge by participating in Solo and Ensemble.  Junior Hannah Sullivan says, “Going up there is scary at first, but there is a thrill to it. Don’t be afraid to go up there and shine!”  Solo and Ensemble is a great way to support Carterville High School’s band and choir students.  The Solo and Ensemble competition this year was a success!  The students this year did a phenomenal job.