Emerald Ridge High Student Selected to Perform With Prestigious South Sound Band

Join us in congratulating Emerald Ridge High Senior McKenna Liedes as the 2024-25 Tacoma Concert Band (TCB) Student Soloist Competition Recipient!

According to its website, TCB is a world-renowned, acclaimed symphonic band that has provided its audiences with the highest quality classical and contemporary music for the past 40+ years. For over 30 years, TCB annually selects one Puget Sound-based student who plays a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument to perform with the band by competing in their student soloist competition. Students who are interested in the opportunity must perform a live solo audition in front of judges. The chosen student earns a soloist performance in the concert with the band and a $1,500 scholarship to help with post-secondary costs.

Liedes, who was with her family when she received the news that she was the 2024 recipient, says she was overjoyed and happy that her hard work paid off.

"It was a really sweet moment," Liedes said. We (her family) were all celebrating, jumping up and down and super excited. I did the side-by-side program with this group (TCB), and they were so welcoming. They're all amazing musicians. I feel honored to have this opportunity to play with this excellent group."

 

Liedes' performance with TCB will be the first time that she will have a soloist spot. In the rehearsals leading up to the performance, TCB Maestro Gerard Morris will coach Liedes in style, interpretation, and stage presence.

Along with growing her teamwork traits by performing with a band of TCB's stature, Liedes looks forward to Morris' lessons, which she says will provide her the tools to help her conquer any on-stage obstacles.

"All throughout high school, and even before, something that I have had to learn to manage is performance anxiety," Liedes mentioned. "This is going to be a really great opportunity to use skills to focus on the music and change the mindset from fear to all of these people are coming to support you, they want to listen to the music, and they're just there to have a good time."

Liedes's post-graduation plans include studying biology and music, joining the Air Force, and performing with its band around the world.

Concert Details

Liedes' performance with TCB will be on Saturday, March 1, at 7:30 p.m. at the Pantages Theatre in Tacoma, where an entourage of support, including immediate and extended from in and out of state, friends, and current and past PSD Music Teachers, plan to attend the concert to proudly see her represent the Puyallup Community.

Those interested in attending can learn more on the TCB 2024-25 Concert Season webpage and purchase a ticket (admission is free to those under 18).