The Garden City Community College (GCCC) Music Department welcomed over 500 high school music students from 18 schools across Western Kansas on Oct. 1 for the annual Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) Learning Day.
The full-day event, held on the GCCC campus, is designed to prepare students for upcoming district and state honor ensemble auditions. Participants received guidance in choir, band, and orchestra through rehearsals, sectional work, and coaching from faculty from GCCC, Fort Hays State University, Washburn University, and Kansas State University.
“KMEA Learning Day gives students a chance to collaborate with peers from across the region while refining the skills they’ll need for auditions,” said Sean Boller, GCCC Associate Professor of Vocal Music and Choir Director. “We are especially grateful for the incredible support from our colleagues at Fort Hays, Washburn, and Kansas State, as well as our own GCCC faculty. Their expertise and willingness to work with students made the day an outstanding success. I also want to thank Dr. Marc Malone, Vice President for Instructional Services, and our Admissions team for welcoming these students to campus.”
In addition to large group rehearsals, students attended workshops led by faculty, highlighting audition strategies, effective practice techniques, and the opportunities available through GCCC’s music programs.
By hosting KMEA Learning Day, GCCC continues to play a vital role in strengthening music education across Western Kansas while cultivating the next generation of musicians.
