County announces instrumental, vocal music festivals

News release from the Riverside County Office of Education about upcoming virtual music festivals:

RIVERSIDE – Although a solitary echo may be the only sound reverberating inside empty performance halls and school music rooms in Riverside County, creative music and choral teachers and their students have been exploring new musical landscapes during the last year. To showcase their diligent focus on their craft, the Riverside County Office of Education is inviting students to submit their best performances for judging at two Virtual Solo Music Festivals in February.

“For too long, family members and neighbors over the fence or through the walls at home have been the only audience for our student musicians,” said Louisa Higgins, Visual and Performing Arts Administrator at the Riverside County Office of Education. “This free opportunity for students provides a stage that hasn’t been available to them all year long, while also opening the door to an audience with college-level adjudicators who can provide feedback to encourage and foster their continued musical development.”

To participate, middle and high school students will upload recordings of their vocal or instrumental performances. Students will receive feedback on their performance from college-level music instructors—much like traditional Honor Band or Honor Choir performance competitions that students might otherwise have participated in before the pandemic.

Virtual Solo Music Festival – Instrumental

When: Submission window of Feb. 22-28

What: Students can upload a video of a solo, etude or concerti of their choice

Who: Open to all middle and high school students in Riverside, Inyo, and Mono Counties

How: Feedback will be given by Dr. Gregory Whitmore of CSU Fullerton, Dr. Jake Sustaita of Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra, and Dr. Rickey Badua of Cal Poly Pomona.

Cost: Free

Awards: All participants will receive a certificate of achievement and a commemorative patch

How To Participate: Visit www.rcoe.us/honor-band for details or contact Louisa Higgins at lhiggins@rcoe.us

Virtual Solo Music Festival – Vocal

When: Submission window of Feb. 15-22

What: Students can upload a video of the song of their choice

Who: Open to all middle and high school students in Riverside, Inyo, and Mono Counties

Judges: Feedback will be given by Dr. Kellori Dower of Santa Ana College and Dr. Nicholle Andrews of University of Redlands

Cost: Free

Awards: All participants will receive a certificate of achievement and a commemorative patch

How To Participate: Visit www.rcoe.us/vocal-festival for details or contact Louisa Higgins at lhiggins@rcoe.us