Fifty-two Canyon choir students qualified to advance to the UIL state solo and ensemble competition in Austin in May.

Canyon High School hosted the regional solo and ensemble competition for choir Feb. 21. For the UIL Solo and Ensemble, students prepare a song to sing in front of a judge. Choir director Brandon Farren said most students spend up to an hour a day for a month preparing for the competition, which awards students a rating ranging from a “1” for superior to a “5” for needs improvement.

“Only students with impeccable tone, musicality, style as it relates to the time period of their song, and memorization will score a first division,” Farren said. “This takes tremendous work and preparation to do well.”

Canyon brought home 76 medals,  with 32 solos scoring a first division and seven ensembles earning a first division. Farren said he is proud and humbled to be the director of such hardworking students.

“The Canyon High School Choral Department is an incredible music program that always excels in all that they do,” Farren said. “The result of these competitions is another byproduct of the work and passion they pour into becoming better musicians every day.”