ADA — The Midwest Piano Duettist Competition was held recently by the Midwest Music Teachers Association at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio. Thirteen teams from Ka-Jens Piano Studio under the direction of Kathleen Jendrusik, founder and chairman of the competition, competed with other teams through-out the mid-west of the state. The duet pairs are required to play one “Traditional” piece in formal attire, and one “Creative” piece in full costume, skit and props and make-up relating to their composition. They are graded on poise and presentation, creativity, clear melody, phrasing, rhythm, tempo, dynamics, and if they convey the spirit of the music.
There were five levels the teams competed in. In Level 1 of Early Elementary, first place went to Lucy and Lydia Heckman, children of Krista and Michael Heckman of Yorkshire. Second place went to Laney Hanke, daughter of Jill and Ryan Hanke and Leta Rank, daughter of Tiffany and Sean Rank, both from Sidney.
In Level 2 of Mid-Elementary-Late Elementary, second place went to Relissa Mills, daughter of Angie and Fred Mills and Ava DeNise, daughter of Cassie Hawkins and Travis DeNise. Fourth place went to Brianna Schneider, daughter of Thelma and Rob Douglas and the late Brian Schneider and Sophie Sollmann, daughter of Stephanie and Ryan Sollmann all from Sidney.
In Level 3 of Early Intermediate, second place went to Liliana and Amelie Phillips, children of Sonya and Keith Phillips. Fourth place went to Kate Allen, daughter of Kristin and Luke Allen and Sophie Sollmann, daughter of Stephanie and Ryan Sollman both from Sidney.
In Level 4 of Intermediate, first place went Haley Fogt, daughter of Linda and Bruce Fogt and Martha Chrisman, daughter of Heather and Joe Chrisman. Second place went to Julia Dilbone, daughter of Summer and Dave Dilbone of Troy and Loralei Chambers, daughter of Lorraine Rose and Lawrence Chambers of Sidney. Third place went to Emma Chupp, daughter of Amy and Donnie Chupp and Mason Winkleman, son of Jennifer Heeter. Fourth place went to Alice Chrisman, daughter of Heather and Joe Chrisman and Amelie Phillips, daughter of Sonya and Keith Phillips from Sidney. All four teams were only one point away from each other.
Level 5 of Late Intermediate-Early Advanced, first place went to Alice and Martha Chrisman, children of Heather and Joe Chrisman. Second place went to Lilianna Phillips, daughter of Sonya and Keith Phillips and Loralei Chambers, daughter of Lorraine Rose and Lawrence Chambers. Third place to Liliana Phillips, daughter of Sonya and Keith Phillips and Martha Chrisman, daughter of Heather and Joe Chrisman from Sidney.
