SophiaReinhardt

The District Music Contest (DMC) was held on April 19 and 20 at Elkhorn High School. This contest allows students from both instrumental ensemble and choir to show off their musical abilities in front of judges. 

This year, the choir competed as a full group singing “Sea Fever” by Daniel Brinsmead and “Always Keep This Close” by Zachary J. Moore. They received a Superior/I rating. Sophomore Eleanor Kolterman competed in both the full choir performance and earned a Superior/I rating on her solo, too.

Kolterman began preparing for the contest months before. “Preparation for choir is typically going over the songs at the beginning of class each day,” Kolterman said. “We then split up voice parts to practice and learn our part separately.” Choir songs are usually broken up into sections: alto, soprano and sometimes a soprano two. Each singer must learn to stay on pitch and sing their notes in order to harmonize with the other sections.  “After everyone practices their parts and other harmonies, we come back together to sing the songs,” Kolterman said. After all this practice, Kolterman said they are “able to understand what we are singing better.”

Solo competitions are exciting, but also challenging. For Kolterman, this year’s challenge is singing a solo in French. Kolterman sang “Si Mes Vers Avaient Des Alies” by Hahn Reynaldo. She put in many hours of practice both inside and outside of class. “I practiced with my voice teacher outside of school,” Kolterman said. “I then come in and work on it with the piano accompaniment.” Piano accompaniment is played for both vocalists and instrumentalists by Mr. Tim DiBlasi. These solos are rehearsed weekly both in class and before school with the piano.

Kolterman likes the opportunity to compete in these competitions. “There is an importance in going to a contest like this,” Kolterman said. “We get to test our skills in front of judges and see other groups perform.” For many, constructive criticism and positive feedback can help one grow in their musical abilities. They can sort out what to focus on and spend less time on what they already know.

Marian’s instrumental ensemble performed on Saturday, April 20. Members played solos, as well as duets, trios and various small group pieces. Freshman Keyara Harrell competed in DMC for the first time. Harrell played “Minuet, Trio and Finale” by Franz Joseph Haydn in a flute ensemble, “Lullaby” by Keith Snell and “Intrada” by Valintin Haussmann as a duet.

Harrell worked extremely hard in preparation for the contest. “I would practice at home for about 30 minutes, playing through my parts in songs and listening to the other parts on my phone,” Harrell said. “I would also clap the rhythm to make sure I have the right tempo.” It takes so much time and rehearsal for musicians to perfect their songs. There is always something to check on, whether it’s dynamics, a time signature or a key signature. 

Harrell really hoped to reach her goals this year at DMC. “My goal this year was to play the songs to perfection and get a good score,” Harrell said. Her flute ensemble performance with junior Elizabeth Buescher and seniors Sophia Reinhardt, Crystal Gonzalez and Emilia Hoyt earned a Superior/I and her duet with Gonzalez earned Excellent/II. 

Harrell believes DMC is a great opportunity for many young musicians. “At the contest, you get to play as a group but also in a smaller setting,” Harrell said. Whereas at concerts, the ensemble plays together, DMC offers the chance for students to play solo or in a small group. On top of that, you often play solo in front of a judge. “You are judged individually which shows your skill set,” Harrell said. “When you play in a big group, it is harder to be heard and sometimes your part is washed out by louder instruments.” A lot of the time, only the major parts are heard in a song, and mistakes are easily covered. However, when in a duet or solo, every single note is heard, including mistakes.

DMC has also been noted as being a massive learning experience for all students who participate. “The judge leaves notes and comments which tell both the positive and negative aspects of the piece you played,” Harrell said. It is one of the best opportunities for students to get live feedback from judges who are more familiar with the music. 

There are not always many opportunities to compete and get feedback like at DMC. Many young musicians learned great things that they will take with them to their future. “I think it is a great chance to grow and be heard in music,” Harrell said.