Glenna Gaunt, the owner and sole voice instructor of Gaunt’s Music Studio, has put students on a path to learn how to read music using “Ready to Read Music - A Sequential Lesson in Music Reading Readiness” by Jay Althouse. Following their completion of the study students will begin a sight singing series to give them skills to  sing new music accurately and with confidence. Students are acknowledged for their progress through each of the eight lesson units. 

Already this studio term several students have passed Unit 1. Those students include: Clarise Snapp, Karson Higgins and Jadynce Schoreder, all of Great Bend; Andrew Maier of Claflin; and Caden Rowen, Kiley Troyer and Macy Munson, all of Ellinwood. Andrew Maier, of Claflin, has also completed Unit 2.

Voice students attend weekly lessons for vocal technical skills development, a quick review of their “Ready to Read Music” worksheets and various literature selections for each individual student. Many of the voice students are currently preparing for Christmas performances and for vocal contests in the spring.  

In September, voice student Jadynce Schroeder competed in the vocal competition, “Voice of the Heartland,” in Norman, Okla. “Voice of the Heartland” draws vocal competitors from all over the Midwest Region. Schroeder, 10 years old at the time, daughter of Brian and Crystal Schoreder, advanced from the Online Preliminary Round to one of 35 semifinalists in Oklahoma City of all age categories. After performing in the semifinals on Sept. 24 in Norman, Okla., Schroeder advanced as one of the top 10 finalists of all age groups. The finals competition was held Sept. 27, in Norman, Okla. Schroeder performed “The Climb” by Alexander and Mabe.   

Voice students Andrew Maier of Claflin and Karson Higgins of Great Bend both participated in the Tabor College Voice Festival on Oct. 27 in Hillsboro. Maier competed in the High School Classical Junior/Senior category and Higgins competed in the High School Freshmen/Sophomore Musical Theatre category. Both voice students also participated in a Vocal Masterclass with guest clinician Dr. David Tayloe, of the University of Alabama, who serves as assistant professor of voice and song literature. Dr. Tayloe worked with both singers individually, focusing on breath and legato techniques. Gaunt served as their accompanist for all the day’s events.