FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE McCallum Orchestra Students Shine at State UIL AUSTIN, Texas - (May 30, 2008) - "We did really well at the Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest," reports Ricky Pringle, Director of Orchestras at McCallum Fine Arts Academy. The annual event was held on May 24 and 26, 2008. UIL State Solo and Ensemble brings together the state's finest high school band, orchestra and choir students to compete with prepared ensemble and solo pieces. Students qualify for state by earning ones in their region solo and ensemble contest. Thousands of students compete over the two day period, at the University of Texas's School of Music. "Both of our Ensembles scored a 1.  Our String Quintet with Gonzalo Hernando and Caris Longoria on Violin, Caitlin Coughlan on Viola, Catherine Cotham on Cello, and August Dennis on Bass scored a 1. Our Double Bass Quartet also scored a 1 with Luke Stence, Zac Collier, Riley Burgess, and Aron Coffey- Barnett," explains Pringle. Four students earned First Division Ratings for solo performances including,   sophomore Olivia Erwin, on Violin, and Bass players, sophomore Luke Stence, and seniors Riley Burgess and August Dennis.   Two students, freshman Aron Coffey-Barnett on Bass and sophomore Zac Collier also on Bass earned  Second Division Ratings with solo performances. ### Contact:   Michael Coughlan                 Hendrix Coughlan Media, Inc.                 michael@hendrixcoughlan.com                 512.413.1601                 512.420.0968