The Hormel Historic Home hosted the sixth Harris Music Contest last Saturday morning, March 3, and held a community concert at the Historic Paramount Theatre later that day. With record numbers, the event had 51 participants in a variety of instrument categories including piano, strings, marimba, brass and winds. As is the case every year, I am amazed at the confidence and ability of all the competitors. The judges had fantastic things to say about all the contestants and offered feedback that will help the students continue their music journeys.

MarySue Hormel Harris could not attend this year but sent her encouragement to those participating and asked that we keep promoting these types of events as she feels strongly about the power of music to impact the lives of all ages.

Thanks goes to 15 area piano teachers who encouraged their students to practice hard and enter the competition: Cheryl Collins, Holly Dalager, Tim Davis, Christoph Dundas, Joyce Edland, Erin Grush, Karen Halls, David Hovland, Lynee Larson, Sonia Larson, Amalie Niethammer, Nikki Phillips, Brenda Radloff, Sue Radloff, and Lorene Strobel. Austin is very fortunate to have these fine music teachers in the area.

Participants in four age categories performed and were awarded medals, trophies and cash prizes during the final concert held at the Historic Paramount Theatre.

2018 Final Results

Beginners

Claire Pepper, piano champion

Levi Phillips, piano runner-up

Kendall Richards and Moyra Voigt, piano honorable mention

Intermediate

Breeley Galle and Sydney Mitchell, piano co-champions

Logan Bustad, Piano runner-up

Mason Kemmerick and Maria Kim Vu, piano honorable mention

Juniors

Katie Shin, piano champion

Shepard Goossen, other instrument (cello) champion

Winston Walkup, piano runner-up

Matthew Grush, other instrument (cello) runner-up

Seanna Kubas and Blake Zimmerli, piano honorable mention

Joey Krieger (oboe) and Emma Stanley (flute), other instrument Honorable Mention

Seniors

Ashley Conradt, champion

John Lukes, other instrument (marimba) Champion

John Lukes, piano runner-up

Tedd Lund, other instrument (cello) runner-up

Isaac Kubas and Abigail Muller, piano honorable mention

Nathan Meyer (Marimba) and Micha Weber (Flute), other instruments honorable mention

Music was important to the Hormel family. There are many articles from papers of the past detailing how Lillian and her son Jay participated in musical events in the community.

From Dec. 25, 1899, Austin Daily Herald

“The Ladies’ Musical Society are arranging a course in vocal instruction which will be of great benefit to all Austin music lovers. The cost of this class will probably not exceed 15 cents per evening, possibly 20 cents. Don’t fail to take advantage of such good instruction at such nominal expense.” Mrs. Geo. A. Hormel is listed as an organizer of the opportunity.

From Feb. 7, 1906 Mower County Transcript

“The Ladies’ quartette was delightfully entertained Friday afternoon by Mrs. George A. Hormel at her residence.”

Kids Music in Motion

10-11:30 a.m., Saturday, March 17

Featuring Austin Big Band Brass. Enjoy music, movement and exploring the HHH. Snack included. $2 per child aged 2-12, Free for History for Half Pints Members. Registration available at www.hormelhistorichome.org/calendartickets