District solo, ensemble competition at Luther L. Wright today

By IAN MINIELLY

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Ironwood - Luther L. Wright is hosting the district Solo and Ensemble Festival today. According to choir teacher Lydia Mattson, judges will be on hand to rate the different soloists and ensembles, to include ACCENT!, based on their performances. Judges will award 1-4 stars after each performance, with one star being the highest rating possible. A one-star rating comes with a second reward, a trip to the Wisconsin state competition,May 5.

Mattson said there is no minimum number of one stars that must be handed out. It is possible, although she doubted it had occurred before, that upon completion of the festival the judges had not handed out a single one star. There is no guarantee or minimum number of contestants or slots for state. Each element is graded independently upon their own skills and only those in the Class A division can qualify for state although each contestant, no matter which division, is awarded a rating.

The music festival is scheduled to run from 1-8 p.m., with competitors from Bessemer, Hurley, and LLW on hand to deliver their best and win a trip to state. Mattson said the LLW band room on the first floor and the choir room at 227 and room 205 are going to be used for the competition. Each room will have its own judge.

Bryce Killam was seen practicing "Brother Will, Brother John" on Wednesday. Killam said he has worked his way up through "C" and "B" and this year he wanted to give himself a chance to earn a trip to state, so he is competing in "A."

The three judges are Karol Baugh, from Three Lakes who is a master adjudicator; Shelly Brevak, from Ashland who is also a master adjudicator; and Delores Hadden from Ogema, a level 2 adjudicator.

The competition is free and open to the public. Expect to see many family members and friends coming and going to watch the all day event.