Hopkins student musicians shine at state and regional competitions

The Hopkins Music Department celebrated strong results in the highly competitive Minnesota Music Educators Association All-State Ensemble auditions. Ten choir students, four band students, and two orchestra students were selected as either participants or alternates. 

Choir Participants: Prathiksha Babu (Soprano-Alto Choir), Cristian Cisneros (Tenor-Bass Choir), Stella Gelperin (Soprano-Alto Choir), Ruby Leiss (SATB Choir), Joanna Zocchi (SATB Choir), Stefano Zocchi (Tenor-Bass Choir)
Choir Alternates: Julian deCausmeaker (Bass 1), Asher Fix (Tenor 1), Jordyn Oliver (Alto 1), Amina Yusuf (Soprano 1)
Band: Jenna Hoffman (Oboe), Leland Jarta (Trumpet), Henry Nealy (Trombone), James Zocchi (Alto Saxophone – Alternate)
Orchestra: Avery Kliewer (Cello), Kanoa Lee (Violin)

Hopkins students also delivered an exceptional performance at the Section 6AA Solo & Ensemble Contest, held at Wayzata High School. 35 Hopkins solos, duets and ensembles earned Superior or Excellent ratings.

Superior Ratings – Vocal Solos: Prathiksha Babu, Rose Calabria, Cristian Cisneros, Lauren Dalvey, Julian deCausmeaker, Asher Fix, Stella Gelperin, Estela Gonzalez, Henry Hiltner, Nora Kofflin, Ruby Leiss, Ella Moore, Jordyn Oliver, Amina Yusuf, Joanna Zocchi, Stefano Zocchi
Superior Ratings – Vocal Duets: Rose Calabria & Joanna Zocchi; Lauren Dalvey & Ella Moore
Superior Ratings – Vocal Ensembles: Soprano-Alto Octet; Royal Blues
Superior Ratings – Orchestra Solos: Gretchen Bell, Elise Dutcher, Avery Kliewer, Kanoa Lee, Iris Moore, Henry Swiggum, Audrey Wright
Excellent Ratings – Orchestra Solos: Olivia Hoffman, Maggie Polston, Clara Reusch-Devers, Owen Rosenquist
Superior Ratings – Orchestra Duets: Sadie Berger & Audrey Wright; Chelsea Halvorson & Emma Zimmerman
Superior Ratings – Orchestra Ensembles: Chamber Orchestra; Women in Strings

Hopkins musicians also took home four 6AA Solo and Ensemble Contest "Best in Site" awards along with an honorable mention.

Choir Best in Site Awards: Rose Calabria (Soprano Solo), Amina Yusuf (Soprano Solo), Joanna Zocchi (Mezzo Soprano Solo), Royal Blues (A Cappella Ensemble)
Honorable Mention: Ella Moore (Soprano Solo)

Hopkins also celebrated strong representation in Honor Band programs, with students earning spots at both the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State levels.

University of Minnesota Honor Band: Gabe Demello, Levi LaGesse, Genaro Villa Sanchez
9-10 Minnesota State Honor Band: Henry Wyman
9-10 Minnesota State Jazz Band: Henry Wyman

Finally, Hopkins North Middle School seventh grader Brielle Klein earned a spot in the 2026 Minnesota All-State Honor Band as one of only five trombonists selected statewide in the grades 6-8 division, the only Hopkins middle school student to receive this honor. Brielle performed in the All-State Honor Band concert April 12 under the direction of conductor Quincy Hilliard, representing Hopkins on the state stage through a highly competitive audition process.

Congratulations to these talented musicians and to their directors on a remarkable showing at every level of competition.