Two Highland Park High School juniors who hit high notes in the 2026 UIL State Solo & Ensemble Contest are continuing to reach for ambitious goals.
Soprano soloists Madeleine Mayfield and Chelsea Sun each received Division I ratings, the UIL’s top mark of excellence, during the State Solo & Ensemble Contest in Austin this summer.
The students, who competed in the band, orchestra, and choir category, were recently recognized for their achievements by the Highland Park ISD board of trustees.
Mayfield, 17, selected “Nuit d’Etoiles” (Starry Night) by Claude Debussy for her UIL solo. The classic, romantic piece reflected her “lifelong passion” for singing, and the performance followed countless hours of rehearsal over the course of many months.
Mayfield extended thanks to her family and voice coach, Kathryn Piña. She plans to continue her music studies through graduation in 2028. At college, she hopes to major in vocal performance or music education. Apart from her studies, this talented young student enjoys baking and is a dedicated volunteer at her church.
“I feel very accomplished and proud of my hard work,” Mayfield said. “I hope to continue developing my voice and growing as a musician to prepare for a career where I use my love of singing and music for many years to come.”
Sun, 16, performed “Si Mes Vers Avaient des Ailes” (If My Verses Had Wings) by the French composer, Reynaldo Hahn. She also devoted months to preparation, and expressed her gratitude to voice teacher Michael Nguyen, HPHS choir directors Neal Patel and Paige Pickett, and, of course, her devoted parents.
“When I received a Division I Rating, I was beyond elated and ecstatic,” she said. “It was such a rewarding experience, and I also felt incredibly thankful for all the people who helped me along the way.”
Sun hopes to study medicine or psychology after graduation, in addition to pursuing her love of music. When she is not rehearsing or studying, she is the Vice President of the Dallas chapter of UnboundEd Art, a student-run nonprofit dedicated to sharing classical arts with young community members.
The next UIL State Solo and Ensemble contest will be held May 29 and May 31, 2027, at multiple sites in the Austin area. For more information visit uiltexas.org/music.
