Reliably representing Jesuit at athletic events throughout the fall, the Blue Jay Band has shown few outward signs of being affected by the pandemic: halftime performances have carried on, new “stands tunes” have echoed from stadium bleachers (some even arranged by student musicians), and the Fight Song and Alma Mater have continued “trumpeting valor’s cry.”

While the band as an organization has been busy finding innovative ways to uphold treasured school traditions, two Blue Jay musicians recently earned top honors as individual performers. Each year, Louisiana Music Educators Association hosts a variety of contests and large ensemble festivals—many of which have been postponed or modified for this academic year—including a State Solo Festival.

Student entrants to the LMEA State Solo Festival are required to perform an accompanied selection from the challenging Texas Prescribed Music List.

This year, Juniors Aidan Schwartz and Matthew Vuong earned spots amongst the top 10 soloists in the state. Both Schwartz and Vuong competed as flautists with Schwartz performing the daunting Sonata for Flute by Paul Hindemith and Vuong playing Cecile Chaminade’s Concertino Op. 107.

Videos of both of their award-winning performances can be viewed below.