Student Activities

All students are encouraged to participate in activities for growth.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES


Each student is encouraged to participate in activities in which there is adequate preparation, skill level, and interest. Each student works with greater care in when involved in preparing to perform in an activity which demands that the student brings forth the student’s best effort. Most students without a meaningful performance and evaluation would just drift along and lose much of the growth that occurs when their efforts are put to the test.

OMEA HIGH SCHOOL SOLO AND ENSEMBLE CONTEST

This event is sponsored by the Ohio Music Educators’ Association. Students prepare a solo from a graded list and perform before one judge who rates the performance. Registration is through the schools. This event is scheduled for January 25th at Akron Firestone High School.

WRMTA RIBBON FESTIVAL

Normally, the WRMTA Ribbon Festival sponsored by the Western Reserve Music Teachers Association is the first weekend in March at Kent State University. Each student is required to prepare one piece of his choice to perform in a private audition before a qualified judge who writes comments on the performance. A ribbon identifying the number of years of participation in the festival is awarded as well as the comment sheet returned to the student. This activity is a good test for most students’ recital piece as the first practice performance.

GOLD CUP MUSIC CLUBS FESTIVAL

Normally, this event is scheduled on the Saturday before spring break at Kent State University. This activity requires a student to prepare two pieces, one a choice piece and another from a graded list of American composers. Other categories include duets, concertos, and hymn playing. The student performs in a private audition before two judges who give a detailed evaluation and rating. Points are awarded based upon the highest rating. When students accumulate a certain number of points, they receive various awards including a Gold Cup.

OMEA MIDDLE SCHOOL SOLO AND ENSEMBLE CONTEST

This event is sponsored by the Ohio Music Educators’ Association. Students prepare a solo from a graded list and perform before one judge who rates the performance. Registration is through the schools. This event is normally scheduled in April at Stanton Middle School in Kent.

ANNUAL STUDENT RECITAL

This is a recital of just my students which is usually in late May or early June at Kent State University. All prepared students are invited and encouraged to participate as for many it is the only opportunity for them to prepare a performance for anything.