Showcasing vocal and instrumental talent, 13 North Idaho high school students sparkled in the spotlight during the Idaho Music Educators Association (IMEA) State Solo Contest at Idaho State University in Pocatello May 2.

"I haven't seen a single one of them not feeling so good about their dedication," said Lake City High School choral director Terri DeGroot. "That's the wonderful thing about it, it's such an honor to be chosen to go."

Every school district through the state holds a Solo/Ensemble Festival where student performances are evaluated by judges. The top performers and a few alternates are chosen to participate in the state contest and have the opportunity to earn medals while connecting with students from other schools and music professionals. DeGroot said it's also a way for teachers to underscore their students' talents - and while it is a contest, it's also a way for students to celebrate their musical accomplishments while learning from their peers.

"They're just on a whole other level and they realize they belong there," she said. "It's an awesome thing."

North Idaho's top performers at the IMEA State Solo Contest:

Woodwind:

Tyler Nethercott, Coeur d'Alene High School, second place, baritone saxophone.

Strings:

Kennedy Greene, Lake City High School, third place, double bass.

Samantha Helal, Coeur d'Alene High School, first place, double bass.

Brass:

Jake Tsadilas, Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy, third place, trombone.

Josh Moehring, Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy, third place, euphonium.

Percussion:

Tyler Ulrich, Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy, third place, multiple percussion.

Jake Shoup, Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy, third place, timpani.

Voice:

Lindsey Roylance, Post Falls High School, first place, mezzo soprano.

Monte Evans, Post Falls High School, fourth place, alto.

Nathaniel Owen, Sandpoint High School, first place, tenor.

Casey Noye, Lakeland High School, second place, tenor.

Greg Marks, Sandpoint High School, fourth place, baritone.

Ian Thurston, Lake City High School, second place, bass.