Blinn College showcases talented young pianists

The event featured performances from young piano players in fifth through twelfth grade.
The event featured performances from young piano players in fifth through twelfth grade. | File photo

Blinn College will hold its 14th Annual Young Pianist Competition in the Dr. W.W. O'Donnell Performing Arts Center on Saturday.

The event is open to the community and will feature performances from young piano players in fifth through twelfth grade. Players are required to memorize two pieces of contracting music styles. The competition will be judged by University of Houston faculty members Courtney Crappell and Timothy Hester, as well as Sam Houston State University faculty member IIonka Rus-Edery.

The competition will commence at 9 a.m. with finalists from each age group performing at 3 p.m.

“It is a good chance for students to have someone critically listen to their playing,” John Dujka, Blinn College piano professor and competition judge, said. “The whole idea is to get them on campus and give them a good experience at Blinn while they rub elbows with other talented kids in the area.”

High school juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to receive piano scholarships, while pianists from four age groups have the chance to win cash prizes of $300 or $150. Dr. Henry and Teddy Boehm, along with Larry and Mary Whigham, donated the prizes for the contest.