SoloFest fosters student musicians’ growth

Edina band students in grades 7-9 participated in the district’s annual SoloFest event on Jan. 8. Band students select and prepare a piece of solo music geared toward their individual playing abilities and perform before one of 10 judges. Following their performance, each student received a one-on-one coaching session from an expert in the field, as well as written comments.

“We are so proud of our students’ resilience and musical progress!” said Melody Snyder, representing the Gr. 7-9 band teachers: Chris Bumz, Geneva Fitzsimonds, Megan Palmer, and Charles Weise. The Edina SoloFest has been a tradition for more than 50 years.