Several students from Zionsville were among a record number of Traders Point Christian Academy gold medal winners at the Instrumental Solo and Ensemble Contest on Jan. 31 at Avon High School. Fifty-nine students participated in the contest and earned 41 gold and two silver rankings.
“Over the last month, [students]have prepared solos played with piano accompaniment and self-directed ensembles of three to five members,” said Nathan Perry, TPCA band director. “This is a major annual event of the band and strings program, and our students achieved some amazing results.”
Sixth grade student Caleb Wood of Zionsville earned a perfect score on trumpet, and sixth grader Daniel Toluhi earned a perfect score on baritone. Zionsville residents Rachel Croner and Nicole Gruesser joined Claire Akard in earning on or more gold medals in a division higher than their grade level. Eighth grader Solomon Perry won five gold medals, the most of the day, and all six strings solos and ensembles earned gold.
“Many of our students were asking for a bigger challenge this year,” Perry said. “They put in the extra work on the more difficult music and came away with gold medals to show for it. They took a lot of initiative to really own their work. I’m proud of their effort and results.”
