On April 15 and 16, high school music students from around the state of Kansas came to Pittsburg State University for the KSHSAA State Large Ensemble. The event, hosted by the Pitt State Music Department in partnership with Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA), provides students with the opportunity to display their music skills to an audience.
“The students prepare for this event through their ensemble rehearsals at school, and the festival then provides an opportunity for them to showcase their work and to receive helpful comments from a panel of seasoned adjudicators,” Dr. Susan Marchant, the chair of the Music Department at Pitt State, said. “This contributes in an important way to the improvement of their music programs.”
The festival includes ensembles of choir, band, and orchestra, and this year, had 13 vocal ensembles and 18 instrumental ensembles. The vocal performances are held in McCray Hall, in the Sharon Kay Dean Recital Hall, and the instrumental performances are in the Bicknell Center for the Arts.
Dr. Marchant explains that these music students participate in the festival at designated sites all across the state, each spot assigned by KSHSAA: “PSU hosts ensembles from schools of various sizes, 1A-5A, within a certain distance of Pittsburg,” she said.
While the event highlights their current performance, a lot of these students have been in the music environment since they were younger. Montsy Chona, a 9th grader from Independence High School, says she’s been in orchestra for four years, starting it in 5th grade.
“My favorite part of it is playing and being with my friends,” Chona says.
Dr. Marchant explains that watching other schools’ performances can help the students learn, too. “Students benefit not only by performing themselves, but also by listening to groups from other schools. Typically, the students spend a good part of the day on campus, listening to other ensembles that perform earlier or later in the schedule. “
Paris Drake, also a 9th grader from Independence High School, says that she has “learned a lot of good concert tips.”
Beyond the impact the festival has on students, the event also plays a larger role for the university, specifically those who help organize and host it.
“Our spring semester is very busy as we host multiple music festivals for students of all ages,” Dr. Marchant said. “While this requires a huge amount of work from our faculty, staff, and student volunteers, it is an important part of our mission and a very rewarding experience for everyone who contributes in some way.”