Two Area seniors receive top honors for piano playing
The piano students of Cindy Breederland had their Spring Recital on Sunday, May 6 at Faith Community Church in West Concord.
Lydia Perry of Mantorville and Valerie Sauder of Pine Island were awarded the MMTA (Minnesota Music Teachers Association) Challenge Trophy for participating in the MMTA programs and earning 2,500 points. They are both seniors.
Many other MMTA awards were given, including participation in a District Preliminary Contest held in Rochester and a State Finals Contest held in the Twin Cities. Participating were: Samuel and Rachel Perry, Valerie Sauder, who competed at the state level, and Maddy and Lydia Perry who were declared winners at the state level and will be playing in an Honors Concert at the Minneapolis Convention Center on May 19.
Piano Exams is another program that MMTA offers, with the purpose of developing proficiency and musicianship through twelve levels of curriculum. When taken in conjunction with the Piano Theory examinations, they are intended to provide a comprehensive musical education. This year, Anna Compton passed Piano Exam 5 andTheory Exam 3 with High Distinction; Kendra Kispert passed Theory Exam 3 with High Distinction; Haydynne Langworthy passed Piano Exam Level 1 with High Distinction; Maddy Perry passed Piano Exam Level 7 with Distinction; Rachel Perry passed Level 5 Piano Exam with Excellence; Ellie Sauder passed Level 3 Piano Exam with Excellence; Lydia Perry passed Theory Exam 6 and both Levels 9 & 10 Piano Exams with Excellence.
The Federation Festival is an event that is sponsored by the Southeast Minnesota Federation of Music Clubs. The festival was held in Rochester in February.
Participants receiving 5 Point superior ratings were: Ellie Sauder, Jenna Kenworthy, Autumn Froyum, Claire Compton, and Anna Compton. Students who received 4 point excellent ratings were Caleb Chilson and Colten Clark. Valerie Sauder received her second Gold Cup for piano solo.
“Thank you to all the recital participants for a wonderful job on Sunday,” said Breederland. “Congratulations to all of the students who participated in the Festival and MMTA programs—well done, “ she added.