Mercer Island High School’s orchestra represented Mercer Island district well, along with the choir and band programs, at the 2016 Eastshore Solo and Ensemble Contest recently held at Bellevue College.

Winners (and some alternates) will move on to the state contest in Ellensburg, Washington this April.

The Eastshore Solo and Ensemble Contest included musicians from all 11 schools in the Eastshore music league.

Students from choir, orchestra and band performed in one of over 40 solo or ensemble categories for the opportunity to move on to the Washington State Solo and Ensemble Contest in April.

“Congratulations to our fabulous musicians who competed and to those who will move forward to our state competitions. This group is an exceptional group of students who are not only talented in music but also strong leaders in our school. I am extremely proud of their efforts,” said MIHS Principal Vicki Puckett.

Among the orchestra category winners include Ryan Char for violin class, Mercer Island Chamber Orchestra for large string ensemble. Joelle Archino, Emily Kim and Char — The Milhaud Trio — won first alternate for small string ensemble.