March brings 260 music students from throughout Southern Utah to Cedar City for both piano and string music festivals. The students play two memorized pieces for a panel of three judges to receive written commentary and earn points for Gold Cup trophies. Strings start on March 5 at Canyon View High School with the piano students on March 19 at the SUU Music Building.
Marin Colby directs the Southern Utah String Festival with a team of volunteers. Sessions are open to the public and are like a short recital. This allows the students to perform for their peers and a supportive audience, rather than only the judges.
Hearing more advanced students can be a great motivating factor and students are encouraged to listen to other sessions. Karaly Whitesel serves as treasurer and judging coordinator Lauana Carter organizes the Gold Cup recitals and trophies. The website can be found at this link. This year also offers an online option and students are participating from all over the U.S., including Texas, Indiana, Maryland, Idaho and Ohio.
Sara Penny directs the Gold Cup Scholarship program for the strings. Seniors planning to attend SUU who have earned at least one Gold Cup may apply for a $100 scholarship by March 30 by submitting the application at this link.
“We have given as much as $1000 a year and we encourage the students who are going to SUU to apply,” said Penny.
The National Federation of Music Clubs Piano Festival is partially sponsored by the SUU Music Department and is set for Saturday, March 19, at SUU, starting at 8 a.m. It is directed by Brittnie Larson. Piano students may also apply for a $100 scholarship if attending SUU in the fall if they have earned at least one Gold Cup trophy. Applications will be available at the Piano Festival.
The music festivals started in 1983 to encourage a high level of musicianship and to provide a positive performance opportunity for students of all ages. Several of the early participants are now professional musicians and teachers. Others have gone on to careers as varied as science, business, and medicine.
“Musical training is a huge benefit to children as they learn listening skills, cooperation, and discipline,” Penny said. “In an age of instant gratification, it is particularly valuable for students to work towards a long term goal and to realize the joy of musical achievement.”