Cypress Christian School students earned record-breaking honors at the TAPPS Solo & Ensemble Championship, with 58 vocal and strings students receiving the highest rating of I–Superior. The annual competition brings together talented musicians from private schools across Texas to perform prepared musical selections before certified judges.
Students from the Vocal and Strings programs at Cypress Christian School recently earned outstanding honors at the TAPPS Solo & Ensemble Championship held on Monday, February 16. The annual competition brings together talented student musicians from private schools across Texas to perform prepared musical selections before certified judges.
During the competition, CCS students performed challenging solo repertoire and were evaluated on tone quality, technique, musical accuracy, interpretation, and overall musicianship. Judges then awarded ratings based on the quality of each performance.
Students can receive ratings ranging from I–Superior to V–Poor, with I–Superior representing the highest possible distinction. A Superior rating indicates an exceptional performance that demonstrates advanced preparation, strong technical skill, expressive interpretation, and a high level of musical artistry.
Cypress Christian School students delivered exceptional performances across the board. All CCS participants earned ratings of I–Superior or II–Excellent, with a record-breaking 58 students receiving the prestigious I–Superior medal — the highest rating awarded at the competition.
In addition to solo performances, CCS Strings students also participated in duet and trio performances, further demonstrating the depth and strength of the school’s growing Fine Arts program.
I–Superior Medal Recipients
Vocal
Grade 7: Campbell Attaya, Harper Delarosa, Berkleigh Elsner, Blythe Knight, Elyse Laidlaw, Eli Lindholm, Tamryn Mackey, Sadie Skipper, Cameron Stephens, Andie Walker, Estelle Ward
Grade 8: Clara Boerboom, Kylie Buzzell, Aniston Maclin, Meryl Martin, Anna McBride, Emily Moore, Hadley Parker, Arianna Puckett, Ryan Rundle, Kate Ward, Kennedy Worchesik
Grade 9: Sade Faleye, Avery Grumbles, Mason Wilson
Grade 10: Molly Ahrendt, Amanda Atkins, Sophie Boctor, Kira Farrington, Arianna Guajardo, Joseph Lavergne, Owen Layton, Chelsea Scott, Sydney Swan
Grade 11: Dyllen Baptiste, Caitlin Campbell, Kyra Davis, Jaeda Dumas, Pepper Eichelberger, Max Ferrell, Isabella Lespade, Maddie McCown, Jack Moore, Madison Mynes, Jeykei Ortiguero, Caleb Poirrier, Bella Thomas
Grade 12: Gabe Caldwell, Evan Ellington, Caden Kreitz, Maddy McKnight, Logan Oliverson, Aidan Salazar
Strings
Grade 7: Audrey Knight (violin), Sophie Meador (violin), Annaleigh Mellor (violin)
Grade 11: Lydia Duphorne (violin), Owen Zhang (violin)
TAPPS State Honors Award
Several CCS students performed the most advanced level repertoire and earned a I–Superior rating, receiving the esteemed TAPPS State Honors Award.
Recipients include:
Sade Faleye, Molly Ahrendt, Amanda Atkins, Kira Farrington, Owen Layton, Chelsea Scott, Sydney Swan, Dyllen Baptiste, Jaeda Dumas, Pepper Eichelberger, Max Ferrell, Isabella Lespade, Maddie McCown, Jack Moore, Madison Mynes, Jeykei Ortiguero, Caleb Poirrier, Evan Ellington, Maddy McKnight, Logan Oliverson, Aidan Salazar, Lydia Duphorne, and Owen Zhang.
These results reflect the dedication of CCS students, the mentorship of our Fine Arts faculty, and the continued growth of music education at Cypress Christian School.
Through opportunities like TAPPS Solo & Ensemble, students are able to refine their musical talents, develop confidence as performers, and represent their school with excellence.
The Fine Arts program at Cypress Christian School provides students with opportunities to grow in choir, orchestra, theater, and performance competitions throughout the year. Events like TAPPS Solo & Ensemble allow students to showcase their hard work while pursuing excellence in the arts.
Congratulations to all of our CCS musicians for their outstanding performances and for representing Cypress Christian School so well.
