The Chester High School Music Department came out tying with Rockridge for 2nd in the Class B Sweepstakes Solo and Ensemble contest.

Chester competed March 5 in Murphysboro. Out of the total 111 entries, which is the most for CHS ever, there were 57 vocal entries, 53 instrumental solos and ensembles, and one piano solo.

For Chester Vocal Entries, Chester placed third overall.

Out of 37 vocal solos, 23 received Division I ratings, 12 received Division II ratings and 2 received Division III ratings. Oddessy Flores had a perfect score.

Among vocal ensembles (19 total), 10 received Division I ratings, six received Division II ratings and 3 received Division III ratings.

Chamber Choir received a Division I rating.

For Chester Instrumental Entries, Chester placed second overall.

Out of 37 solos, 26 received Division I ratings, 10 received Division II ratings and 1 received a Division III rating.

Among instrumental ensembles (16 total), 12 received Division I ratings and 3 received Division II ratings.

Perfect Scores were Jacob Handel, Trumpet Solo; Hannah Kaempfe, Piano Solo; and Kerringtyn Malley & Chelsea August, Snare Drum Duet.

Final placement will be determined at the organizational contest on April 8.

This is Chester High School’s first year in Class B after spending the past two years in Class C. The classes are determined by school size, and after a sizable increase in the high school enrollment the past two years, Chester was once again bumped up from Class C to Class B.

“In 2021 Chester High School was among the largest schools competing in Class C, and now in 2022 Chester High School is the smallest school competing in Class B,” said Mr. Colonel, music program director. “As of the end of the IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest, Chester High School is the 6th highest point scorer in the state regardless of classification. This year’s 531 Solo & Ensemble points are the most EVER earned by CHS in the solo & ensemble portion of the Music Sweepstakes Competition.”