On Friday, February 14, TROY hosted the 11th annual Guitar Festival. About 120 participants, including elementary, middle school, high school and college students, were on campus for the day-long event.
The only event of its kind in Alabama, the festival offers students the opportunity to interact with guest artists and peers from other universities.
“Events like this are crucial for building the guitar community and attracting new guests to our campus,” said Dr. Robert Gibson, Lecturer of Guitar.” The festival brings together guitar and music enthusiasts from several states. It features world-class concerts, masterclasses, ensemble participation and competitions for all student levels, along with elite guitar vendors showcasing high-end instruments.”
“The Guitar Festival is a major recruiting event for the John M. Long School of Music that provides us the opportunity for outreach, attract potential young musicians and to establish connection with our community and professionals,” said Dr. Hui Ting Yang, Director of the School of Music. “Not only do the students rehearse and perform in a chamber ensemble concert, but they also have an opportunity working with our outstanding faculty and guest artists during the masterclass session and competitions.”
The festival featured performances by Teerut Nattakarn Kijrattanakarn, the Fowler-Mrofchak Duo and Luther Enloe and finished with an awards ceremony, announcing the results from the competitions. The winner of the college competition will be commissioned to teach a masterclass and perform a concert in next year’s Guitar Festival.
The winners are as follows:
Advanced Middle School:
1st – Matthew Jang
2nd – Bennett Vest
3rd – Noah Foo
Intermediate Middle School:
1st – Carson Wilber
2nd – Anna Stone
3rd – Kenleigh Kirkland
Honorable Mention – AnnDrew Postell
Beginner Middle School:
1st – Benton Dunn
2nd – Aria Fulford
3rd – Navya Patel
Honorable Mention – Coleman Shirley
High School:
1st – Bryan Castillo
2nd – Heirius Kimbrough
3rd – Mason Floyd
College:
1st – Cesar Herrera
2nd – Daniel Potrocelli
3rd – Matthew Kuplack
