Ouachita Stories

John Ashburn, a senior instrumental music education major from Monroe, La., earned first place in Ouachita Baptist University’s 5^th annual Wind and Percussion Concerto Competition, held Dec. 10 on the university’s campus.

Ashburn, who performed Paul Creston’s “Concerto for Alto Saxophone,” received $500 and an opportunity to perform with OBU’s wind ensemble during their spring tour as part of his first place honors.

The competition provides “an opportunity for instrumental music majors to work on challenging literature and perform it for an audience and judges,” Ashburn said. “Even if you do not place in the competition, it is a wonderful experience for something such as an audition because you get to deal with pressure and nerves.“

Earning second place and $300 was Elyse Senteney, a sophomore instrumental music education major from Plano, Texas. Earning third place and $200 was Leah Jones, a senior instrumental music education major from Burkburnett, Texas.

Senteney said that even in such a competitive environment, the participating students felt a spirit of community and “continually encouraged other performers while backstage by silently cheering on the musicians when they hit the high notes or got through difficult, technical passages.”

After completing one year of undergraduate study and gaining their instructors’ approval, the 14 competing students each performed one musical number “showcasing their talent and growing abilities,” said Kristin Grant, OBU instructor of music.

Participants were given the option to perform either a piece of musical literature in the form of a concerto, a multi-movement work or another piece of music that included a wind ensemble accompaniment.

For more information about the annual competition, contact Kristin Grant at [email protected] or (870) 245-5518.

By Breanne Goodrum