The District 8-4 Junior Festival, in conjunction with the National Federation of Music Clubs, recently held its local competition at Howard Payne University. Several of Howard Payne University’s Pre-College music students participated in the event and received various awards.

Students who enter the competitive category and earn a “superior” rating at the local festival are entitled to advance to the state competition. Twenty-seven HPU Pre-College students earned the “superior” rating. They are: James Bautista, Hannah Bessent, Nathan Bull, Angie Calfa (two categories), Vic Cooper, Christian Fijer, Kirsten Fijer, Alex Fowler, Leila Gautier, Jaycee Hubbard, Kyle Ivy, Kamry Keese (two categories), Addison Miller, Kylee Medina, Sydney Neel, Aishwarya Nigalye, Hannah Parson, Sarah Reeves (two categories), Drew Reynolds, Jordan Roberts (two categories), Cate Smith and Ava Sparks-Hansen (two categories).

Of these 27 students, 17 will participate at the state competition in San Marcos on May 21. State participants include: James Bautista, Hannah Bessent, Angie Calfa, Vic Cooper, Alex Fowler, Leila Gautier, Jaycee Hubbard, Kyle Ivy, Kamry Keese, Addison Miller, Sydney Neel, Hannah Parson, Sarah Reeves, Drew Reynolds, Jordan Roberts, Cate Smith and Ava Sparks-Hansen.

Andrew Boren and Michael Morales received an “excellent” rating in the competition, while Tony Calfa, Natalee Rose and Carli Schoen were non-competitive participants.

The Pre-College Music and Art Program serves the Brownwood community by offering music and art lessons to children and adults. For more information about the Federated Music Clubs or about the Pre-College Music and Art Program at HPU, contact Diane Owens at 325-649-8501 or dowens@hputx.edu.