Lauren Boritzke received a first place star rating at the Wisconsin School Music Association Solo and Ensemble regional AND state competition with her performance of Mendelssohn’s Passion.

Maranatha Piano Prep School students of Ruth Brown, Janet Tschida, Melissa Aurand and Jessica Garrison gave outstanding performances at the National Federation of Music hosted on Saturday at Hartland Music Conservatory in Hartland, WI. Students performing in the piano solo event performed two memorized selections—one piece from a selected list at the student’s level, and one educational or classical piece. Professional feedback from adjudicators helps both the student and teacher identify strengths and weaknesses of the student and teacher. While challenging each student to master new musical and technical challenges is far more important than the actual contest ratings, teachers and students are always enthused when the hard work is rewarded with complimentary acknowledgement from an impartial adjudicator. Piano Prep School students were particularly commended for their level of musicianship and preparedness. The National Federation Piano Solo Results for 2011 are as follows:
Difficult Level 1: Caleb Mundt—Superior Rating
Moderately Difficult Level 1: Joshua Batzko—Superior Rating
Elementary Level 1: Mason Wehking—Superior Rating; Jared Wehking—Superior Rating
Primary Level 3: Wyatt Schilling—Superior Rating
Primary Level 2: Alexandra Ma—Superior Rating
Students also entered in the music theory testing event. The music theory event tests over music concepts the students are learning in their repertoire. The National Federation Music Theory Test Results for 2011 are as follows:
Level 6: Joshua Batzko—Superior Rating; Caleb Mundt—Superior Rating
Level 5: Jared Wehking—Superior Rating; Mason Wehking—Superior Rating
Level 3: Wyatt Schilling—Excellent Rating
Level 2: Alexandra Ma—Excellent Rating
Students, parents, and teachers are to be congratulated for their dedicated and proficient preparation for this event.

Students participating in the national music certificate program must perform a memorized piece from each musical period, two etudes, and a complete level of technique. Students are also tested on their sightreading, and ear training. The program is VERY intense and requires diligent preparation. For obvious reasons, higher levels are graded more stringently than lower levels.
Unlike typical music contests where the average scores are in the 90s, the national average score for National Music Certificate participants is in the lower 70s. The higher the students’ level, the more difficult it is to earn a higher score. Six of the nine students performed level 5 or higher, yet Maranatha Piano Prep School Students earned an Average Score of 84% which is well above the National Average.
Students exhibiting thorough and careful preparation, demonstrating interpretive skills, and performing repertoire with overall command and accuracy achieve “Honors.” The student earning HONORS include Lauren Boritzke—Level 8 and Danae Bumgardaner—Level 6.

To achieve “First Class Honors,” students must present a truly engaging and intelligent performance as well as display technical polish and finesse, definite and apt characterization, and a sense of spontaneity. Students earning FIRST CLASS HONORS include Jared Wehking—Level 1, Elizabeth Lewis—Level 3, Joshua Batzko—Level 4 and Philip Ledgerwood—Level 6.

Only exceptional performances achieve the standing of “First Class Honors with Distinction”—students must demonstrate complete technical command, perform with a confident, masterful style, and clearly demonstrate an authentic personal performance spark. Two students earned FIRST CLASS HONORS WITH DISTINCTION: C.C. Liu—Level 8 and Mason Wehking—Level 1. These two students also deserve special recognition for the following:

Highest score at the Watertown Testing Center: CC Liu

Highest score at his level in the state of Wisconsin: Mason Wehking