The Edward E. MacTaggart Department of Music and the Marietta College chapter of National Association for Music Education Collegiate (CNAfME) will host the eighth annual High School Honor Solo Recital at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 2nd.
Performing before the audience will be 27 high school musicians representing 10 high schools in Marietta College’s Alma McDonough Auditorium. All the students performing on this selective recital received superior ratings at their high school solo and ensemble contest this year. They will present their solo work for a panel of professors from the Department of Music. This recital is open to the public and is free of charge.
Students are divided into three categories — instrumental, vocal and keyboard (piano and marimba). The high school musicians are competing for cash prizes and a possibility of music scholarships. Prizes for each division are $150 and trophy (first place), $100 and trophy (second place) and $50 and trophy (third place). All participants will receive a specially designed medallion for their performance in this event.
“Students have come to anticipate the opportunity to return with their solo work to compete for both cash prizes and a possibility of music scholarships to Marietta College,” said Marshall Kimball, Music Department Chairman. “The talent displayed in the event is always very high with students representing numerous high schools and private teaching studios. It’s a great opportunity to showcase the students’ work, the opportunities we have for music and music students at Marietta College and the importance of the arts for the well-rounded student.”
Kimball also said the event is a great learning experience for current Music Education students.
“With the current educational climate, it is important to always keep the arts and the liberal arts front and center. This is one of our ways of doing just that,” he said. “During the day, little things pop up and the students have to think on their feet and do critical thinking and problem-solving at a moment’s notice. This is very much like real life in the teaching profession. I am pleased we can continue this opportunity for everyone involved. This event is one of the events run by the CNAfME student organization in observance of Music in Our Schools Month, a month in recognition of the importance of continued music education in our school systems.”