ELLENSBURG — Chimacum High School’s Forrest Brennan beat most of the competition to snare a third-place finish at the state Washington Music Educators Association/Washington Interscholastic Activities Association State Solo and Ensemble Contest.

Brennan’s freshman performance of the snare drum solo, “A Minute of News,” written by Eugene Novotney, was good enough to stand out among the 23 regional winners who were entered in the snare drum category at the annual music festival at Central Washington University in Ellensburg.

It was a surprise to the 15-year-old freshman.

“When I went to regionals, I didn’t think I would make it to state. When I made it to state, I didn’t think I would make top 10,” Brennan said.

He also performs percussion with three bands: the Chimacum High School marching band; Rhythm Planet, a rhythm and pop band; and Bangy Bangy, a homeschool rock band.

Brennan said he has been playing drums for five years, instructed by Terry Marsh.

Eighteen individual singers and musicians and 12 instrumental and vocal ensembles from the North Olympic Peninsula were selected for the state competition at a regional competition in Port Angeles

in February.

Small ensembles compete as duos, trios and quartets, while large ensembles can include up to 16 performers.

Ten other Peninsula soloist performers or groups earned a “superior” rating at the state music festival held April 25-26.

The Port Angeles High School Chamber Orchestra earned a superior rating.

Six other Port Angeles students earned superior ratings: John Doster, vocal baritone; Doster and Beth Ann Brackett, vocal duet; Cole Urnes on piano; Sam Stevenson on mallets; Leah Marsh on violin; Michael Helwick on string bass; and Kate Haworth on cello.

Sequim High School’s soprano vocalist McKayla Neale, tenor vocalist Patrick McCarter, and Batmobile, a large percussion ensemble, each earned superior ratings.

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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.