Musicians and vocalists from more than 50 high schools and middle schools across the state of Missouri descended on Fayette for another Music Festival on February 28. Central Methodist University hosted the event on its main campus, with bands, soloists, and groups performing in various locations.
Many of the bands and choirs involved on the day were directed by Central alumni, graduates of both master’s and bachelor’s degree programs. Bands led by directors with master’s degrees from CMU include Fulton– Kelly Neudecker, Laura Speed Elliott Middle School – Kyle Donnelly (with Warner Bailey), Mexico Middle School – Sarah Murdock and Josh Yancey (with Julie Pappas), New Franklin – Lisa Dobbs, Our Lady of Lourdes – Sarah Nolke, and Stover – Caitlin Bird.
Participating bands with CMU alumni directors who graduated with bachelor’s degrees were Bueker Middle School – Sara Summers (with Jordan Summers and Ryan Layton), Brookfield – John Wiggans, Brunswick – Susan Bishop, Cairo – Jamie Bishop, Elsberry – Rebecca Cooper, Fatima Junior High – Ryan Lewis and Zack Fincher, Fayette High School and Middle School – Alex Kirby and Vanessa Miner, Hallsville – James West and Susan Henke, Hardeman – Nancy Meyer, Hatton McCredie – Pam Crawford,
Macks Creek – Jennifer Hopkins, Norborne – Daniel Long, Pilot Grove – Brendan Wiesehan, Principia Middle School – Johnathan Daniels, Salisbury – Michael O’Neill and Micheal Williams, Santa Fe High School – Shawn Thompson, Slater – Stephen Meyer (with Debra Foreman), St. Joseph – Nylah Beach, St. Pius X – Kelley Head, and Sturgeon – Dominik Lehman (with Kimberly Guilford, choir director).
Each participating soloist or group was evaluated on a scale of 1 through 5, with 1 being the best rating. Performers earning 1 and 2 ratings can be viewed at https://www.centralmethodist.edu/about/fine-arts/events/_docs/musicfest/2020-results.pdf.