Several Central Methodist University music students have new awards under their belts after participating in the Missouri Music Teachers Association (MMTA) and Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) competitions.
Held in Columbia at the beginning of November, the events invite music students from across Missouri for a day of competition in instrumental and vocal categories.
Kody Bartel, trumpet, a music major from Yorktown, Va., was the state winner in the MTNA Young Artist Brass category. He will go on to compete in the divisional round, and if he places there, will perform in Spokane, Wash. in March, 2019. Bartel’s teacher is Dr. John Perkins.
Mikaela Lewis, flute, a music major from Harrisburg, was the runner-up in the MTNA Young Artist Woodwinds category. Her accompanist was Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Melissa Simons, and her teacher is Professor Lisa Thill.
Zack Kierstead, piano, a music major from Kirkwood, was the runner-up in the MMTA Upper Division Piano Solo category. His teacher is Dr. Simons.
Michael Arnold, euphonium, a music education major from Marceline, received honorable mention in the MMTA Upper Division Brass Solo category. His accompanist was Kierstead. His teacher is Professor Larry Bennett.
Mike Brown, trumpet, an education and music education double major from O’Fallon, received honorable mention in the MMTA Lower Division Brass Solo category. His accompanist was Mrs. Janet O’Neill. His teacher is Dr. Perkins.
Gannon Craig, baritone voice, a music education major from Salem, won the Upper Division Voice category. His teacher is Dr. Susan Quigley-Duggan.
DaSean Stokes, a CMU graduate student who also is an admissions counselor for Central’s Admissions Department, won first place in the Graduate-Voice category. He earned his bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from CMU in 2017.
Kody Bartel, trumpet, a music major from Yorktown, Va., was the state winner in the MTNA Young Artist Brass category. He will go on to compete in the divisional round, and if he places there, will perform in Spokane, Wash. in March, 2019. Bartel’s teacher is Dr. John Perkins.