Oldenburg Academy Music Students Excel in Regional Competition

The ISSMA holds music contests every year for middle and high school students.

Photo provided.

(Oldenburg, Ind.) - Oldenburg Academy is proud to announce the exceptional achievements of its music students in recent regional competitions hosted by the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA).

The ISSMA holds music contests every year for middle and high school students. Contestants must participate in their school's music ensembles and prepare a piece of music to perform before a judge in their division. The divisions reflect the level of experience and training of the students and each division increases in competitiveness, with divisions I and II being the most rigorous.

All participating students from Oldenburg Academy earned the highest honor, clinching the gold medal in their respective categories.

INSTRUMENTAL:

• Ellie Ryan - Gold in Bass Division II - Minuet in C by J.S. Bach
• Sophia Hohenstein - Gold in Cello Division II - Andante by J.S. Bach
• Paige Watters - Gold in Cello Division III - Song of Thanksgiving by A. Valerius
• Simon Nobbe - Gold in Clarinet Division II - March by R. Schumann
• Rylan Hill - Gold in Violin Division II - Rigadoon by H. Purcell

PIANO:

• Sadie Wachsmann - Gold in Piano Division II - Sonatina by M. Clementi
• Ryan Hautman - Gold in Piano Division II - Minuet in G by J.S. Bach
• Luke Hopkins - Gold in Piano Division II - Minuet in D Minor - by J.S. Bach

VOCAL:

• Lauren Richards - Gold in Vocal Solo Division II - To by Sky, traditional American Folksong
• Academy Singers - Gold in the Large Ensemble Division II - Psallite, Exultate by D. Wagner

Their stellar performances highlight the dedication of the students and their instructor.

"I was glad to see so many students express interest in competing this year,” said Brian Kneuven, Music Director at Oldenburg Academy. “They put in a lot of hard work and their efforts were rewarded - all OA students received gold in their division. I'm so proud of them; it was great to have them representing the Academy in this event!"

In more recent news, OA students also competed in the CYO music competition. Each student earned gold for the following performances: Maria Voegele and Laura Dennis and Felicity Brelage and Lily Vanderpohl for Violin and Cello Duet, Ryan Hautman, Luke Hopkins, and Bridgette Erhard for Piano Solo, Simon Nobbe for Clarinet Solo, Rachel Suttman for Trumpet Solo, and Rebecca Durham for a Vocal Solo.

The Oldenburg Academy community extends its heartfelt congratulations to all participating students. Their outstanding performances are an inspiration for other budding musicians who are pursuing their passion for music.