Two local voice students got to do something they didn’t think was going to be possible this year: they were able to enter a Kansas solo music festival and perform for a judge, receive comments and a rating along with certificates and a medal. Normally, these students would have entered the KSHSAA Regional Music Festival for Small Ensembles and Soloists, but that event and many others were canceled because of the COVID-19 shut-down.

On Wednesday, April 1, Sterling College announced The Sterling College Online Music Festival, which would allow middle school and high school students to display their musical abilities amongst their peers. The Festival ran from April 6-25 and was open to all Kansas junior high and senior high school students. 

Haley Troyer of Ellinwood, daughter of Matthew and Tammy Troyer, and Paige Koehn of Great Bend, daughter of Melissa Koehn, both private voice students at Gaunt’s Music Studio, sent in recordings to the Sterling College Online Music Festival for Kansas Students. 

The brainchild of the audition was Larry Brownlee, Sterling College instrumental music director, the online event allowed students the chance to perform their instrumental or vocal solos for a judge to receive a rating.

“This is an unprecedented time we are in now. Obviously, many students are missing out on spring activities like regional and state music festivals. I just thought that this is something we can do to provide an opportunity to perform and stay engaged. This is a chance to keep students motivated and working,” said Brownlee.

Glenna Gaunt, owner of Gaunt’s Music Studio, sent all of her high school students emails informing them of the opportunity. Students prepare all year for solo competition because receiving a I rating at Regional Music Festival would normally qualify them to compete at KSHSAA State Solo Competition. Some students learn foreign-language art songs for the competition, so months of preparation goes into their performance. This year, students were feeling cheated because of the shut-down, Gaunt said. She hoped that this would be one way to bring back some normalcy to their school year and acknowledge their hard work. 

Haley Troyer, a junior at Ellinwood High School, along with Paige Koehn, a junior at Great Bend High School, were equally excited to receive the email with the news of their top ratings of “I” (Outstanding). In addition, they were each sent their critique sheet with comments and scoring, along with participation certificates and a medal for the I rating. Both girls are participants in their choir and select ensemble in their respective schools.