Star power
Turtle Lake-Mercer students earned multiple top ratings at the State Music Festival on May 2 at Bismarck State College, including two Superior “Star” performances and an Outstanding Performance of the Day award.
According to Turtle Lake-Mercer music teacher Kailee Wyman, Brooklyn Tomlinson and Inaia Way each competed with vocal solos and received Excellent ratings. Wyman said Nora Fielder earned a Star rating for her alto saxophone solo and also performed as part of the school’s saxophone ensemble with Lily Christensen, Hayden Lelm, Zella Anderson and Vivian Schlafmann. The ensemble received a Star rating and was named Outstanding Performance of the Day in its competition room, which Wyman said made the group State Champions.
Wyman said Turtle Lake-Mercer sent seven students to state this year, competing in four events. She noted this is the most events the school has taken to the State Music Festival in at least 12 years. She also said it is likely the first time Turtle LakeMercer has received an Outstanding Performance award and a state title, though records do not extend far enough back to confirm the full history.