By JOE VINDUSKA
BCC
Four Barton Community College music students earned honors at the Kansas Music Teachers Association (KMTA) and Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) State Competitions recently at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, competing against collegiate musicians from institutions across the state.
The following students were recognized for their performances:
Gabriel Cox, piano, second place in the Collegiate Freshman/Sophomore Category.
Brandon Morgan, piano, honorable mention in the Collegiate Freshman/Sophomore Category.
Jacky Garcia, trumpet, second place in the Collegiate Instrumental Category.
Norely Aleman, violin, third place in the Collegiate Instrumental Category.
Barton Instructor of Keyboard Studies and Director of Accompaniment Dr. Alejandro Avila said the results reflect the students' dedication and the high standards of Barton's music program.
"Talent certainly goes a long way, and these students are undoubtedly talented, but what makes these accomplishments particularly meaningful is the hard work and commitment behind them," he said. "They are beginning to discover just how much they are capable of achieving when they combine their natural abilities with consistent effort and preparation."
Avila said the students' success demonstrates that Barton provides opportunities for musicians to develop their abilities and compete alongside students from four-year institutions.
"Being a community college should never be a limitation on what our students can achieve," he said. "We hold our students to high standards, expect excellence in their musical development, and work closely with them to help them understand what it takes to succeed in the music field."
Avila also said recognition from competitions like this reinforces the strength of Barton's music program and its commitment to preparing students for future academic and musical opportunities.
"We challenge them, guide them, and help them grow into musicians who can confidently compete alongside students from four-year universities and other institutions across the state," he said. "These accomplishments demonstrate the opportunities available at Barton and show prospective students that they do not have to attend a four-year university to receive high-quality musical training, be challenged, and achieve recognition at the state level."
For more information about Barton Music, visit music.bartonccc.edu or contact Avila at avilaal@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9384.