Island musician is second at state

Published 12:20 pm Monday, May 26, 2014

Austin Perilstein of Bainbridge High claimed second place in the tenor-baritone saxophone category in the 2014 Washington State Solo and Ensemble Contest 2014.

Earning “superior” ratings at the contest were the Large Percussion Ensemble from Bainbridge High, the Percussion Quartet from BHS, Nick Stahl (soprano-alto saxophone) and Gabe Shelton-Jenck (multiple percussion).

The contest, presented by the Washington Music Educators Association and the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, was held April 25-26 at Central Washington University.

The State Solo and Ensemble Contest is the highlight of the season. In the winter, regional competitions are held across the state, with roughly 5,000 entries in 43 competitive areas.

This year, Bainbridge High had 37 entries in the regional competition, the third highest in the Olympic region.

Of those 37 entries, 10 earned the highest rating and finished first in their division.