CARTHAGE, Texas — A Carthage High School junior is hitting all the right notes, earning one of the state’s highest honors for young musicians.

Michaela Burns was named an Outstanding Musician at the 2025 Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest, a recognition reserved for only the top three percent of more than 10,000 soloists competing statewide.

“She has a strong work ethic, a perpetually positive attitude, and she’s just the best of what’s around,” Carthage Director of Choirs Justin Hodges said.

The competition is more than just hitting the correct notes and rhythms, Burns explained.

“From region to state, it becomes less about getting the notes and rhythms right because they’re expecting that, and more about putting emotion into your piece, putting dynamics,” she said.

Her love for

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