The District Music Contest has been around for a long time. It’s a two-day event held around the district for vocal and instrumental performances by individuals and bands. Much behind-the-scenes work goes into preparing to enter the music contest, and one of those is the accompanist.
Karla Block is an accomplished pianist who has accompanied numerous Heartland students over the years for their District Music Contest performances. “District Music Contest has been a part of my life since I participated with my own clarinet solos as a junior and senior band student under the direction of Rod Drews. I also accompanied fellow students with our vocal instructor Don Peters and instrumental solos,” said Karla.
This year, Karla accompanied Tara Buzek on clarinet, Meggan Friesen on flute, and Hendrick Switzer on alto saxophone. “I’m very proud of the effort all these talented students have given to their solos as they have been inspired and guided by their band director, Royce Schweitzer. They are all top-notch, in my opinion.”
Royce Schweitzer directing the Heartland Jazz Band – photo credit Christine Quiring
Heartland students participated in the annual District Music Contest last Thursday and Friday in Milford. The mixed women’s chorus, bass choir, and mixed chorus men all received a Superior* rating (all judges gave them a superior). The concert and jazz bands both received Superior* ratings for their performances.
Ben Janzen was awarded the Outstanding Performer Award for his solo vocal of “Blackmwore by the Stour” by Ralph Vaughn, and Zach Miller also received the Outstanding Performer Award for his guitar solo featuring “Over the Hills an Far Away” by Page/Plant. Meggan Friesen received the Outstanding Performer Award for her flute solo playing “Gavotte.”
Complete Heartland Results:
