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Mark Morris student reports multiple superior scores; four musicians advance to state
Summary
Mark Morris High School student representative Paige Wirtz outlined district music program offerings and reported that several Mark Morris musicians earned superior ratings at Solo & Ensemble and will advance to the state contest April 26 at Central Washington University.
Paige Wirtz, the Mark Morris student representative, told the Longview School District board on April 12 that the district’s high school music programs performed well in recent competitions and that four Mark Morris students earned top ratings qualifying them for the state solo and ensemble competition.
Wirtz described band, choir and orchestra offerings at Mark Morris and noted the orchestra is a joint program with R.A. Long so that students from both schools can field a full ensemble. "The main thing I want to talk about today is the different competitions that these groups participate in," she told the board.
Wirtz reported that the Mark Morris band placed second overall at the Fine Arts Festival with a “superior” score (a rating of 1 under the festival scale) and that the orchestra also scored a superior; choir earned an "excellent" rating. She said the Jazz Band attended the Commencement Bay Jazz Festival and received positive feedback. Wirtz also summarized Solo & Ensemble results: several students placed third or above, and four Mark Morris students earned first‑place ratings and will attend state on April 26 at Central Washington University.
Students from Mark Morris named in Wirtz’s report who placed at Solo & Ensemble or advanced include Hannah Hack (piano), Sadie Sanders (soprano), Christopher Martinez (clarinet) and Paige Wirtz herself (bassoon). Wirtz also congratulated other performers who placed as alternates or high‑placing soloists and ensembles.
Board members and staff praised the report and encouraged staff to publish placements and individual awards on district communication channels. A board member suggested coordinating with athletics/activities staff to ensure individual awards and placements are recorded and shared.
