Earl Barnes Student Soloist Competition
In 1982, the Board of Directors of the Prairie Wind Ensemble established a competition for talented students residing in the Peoria [Illinois] area. The competition was named in honor of a charter member of the ensemble, Mr. Earl Barnes. "Barney" played trombone in the band from its inception in 1978 until 1992. At the age of 88 he moved to California in order to be close to his family. Today, at the age of 100, he still practies his instrument daily. Barney has been an inspiration to all who have had the opportunity to be with him and we trust that he will be an inspiration to the young musicians who have been a part of this competition. (Text taken from the Concert Program from May 8, 2003.)
2022
Elissa Roozenboom, Alto (Washington Community High School)
2021
Cecelia Fischer, Flute (Washington Community High School), Ben Smith, Percussion (Morton High School)
2020
Abbey Haste, Xylophone (Princeville High School)
2017
Trevor Gould, Saxophone
2015
Derek Zimmerman, Tuba
2014
Mallika Patel, Flute
2013
Colby Spengler, Clarinet
2012
Noelle Campen, Flute (Illini Bluffs High School)
2011
David Gerber, Bass Trombone (Richwoods High School)
2010
Michael Archer, Trombone (Richwoods High School)
2009
Sam Stauffer and Neil Brown, Euphonium (Dunlap High School)
2008
Emily Coon, Flute (Morton High School)
2007
Melissa Gamber, Flute (East Peoria Community High School)
2006
Doug Stewart, Alto (Washington)
2005
Rachel Weiss, Marimba (East Peoria Community High School)
2004
Ben Dattilo, Clarinet (Metamora)
2003
Alaina Smith, Flute (Peoria Christian)
2002
Samantha Inman, Flute (Peoria Christian)
2001
Jeff Holbrook, Trumpet (Normal)
2000
Melanie Paden, Horn (Washington)
1999
Katie Liesener, Horn (Richwoods)
1998
Shanna Davis, Clarinet (Richwoods)
1997
Nicole Long, Flute (Dunlap)
1996
Anna Woessner, Clarinet (Dunlap)
1995
Tristan Paige, Flute (Dunlap)
1994
Jessica O'Donnell, Clarinet (Woodruff)
1993
Carla Parodi, Oboe (Normal)
1992
Jason Olson, Trumpet (Pekin)
1991
Grace Song, Flute (Notre Dame)
1990
Melanie King, Clarinet (Washington)
1989
Amy Burian, Flute (Washington)
1988
Melanie King, Clarinet (Washington)
1987
Tim Allshouse, Clarinet (Washington)
1986
Karen Unsicker, Flute (Dunlap)
1985
Chris Crawford, Percussion (Glasford), Mindy Nolde, Flute (Dunlap)
1984
Jeff Ramsey, Trombone (Pekin)
1983
Marie Gisleson, Saxophone (Washington)
1982
Ellen Lueders, Flute (Central)