The Mississippi Valley State University Department of Fine Arts held its Twenty-Sixth Annual MVSU Piano Festival on Saturday, April 22, 2023.
CCC student William Armstrong, who is a software networking major, took the top prize in the Young Artist Competition of the festival.
The event aimed to bring increased awareness to the Mississippi Delta and surrounding areas of the value and importance of piano study throughout childhood and beyond.
Dr. Kelvin Towers, chair of the Department of Music and director of the CCC choir, is proud and humbled to see Coahoma as a producer of great talent. He encouraged Armstrong to enter the competition and supported him along his journey.
“It is gratifying to know that Coahoma has the ability to attract high-caliber students. William was referred to me by his high school teacher, Dr. Sandra Cannon Scott, who is one of my mentors and former department chair & choral director at MVSU,” said Towers.
The festival included events for elementary and advanced piano students. A non-competitive event was held for piano students ranging from kindergarten through junior high school. Older beginners were also able to participate. Students performed selections from the classical piano repertoire and were rated and given written evaluations.
Armstrong was surprised to have taken the coveted top spot in the competition. He doubted himself, but his skill would ultimately serve him well, helping him reach his goal.
“I didn’t even expect to win first place. The other competitors were very talented, and the pieces that they played made me feel like I wouldn’t win,” said Armstrong. “When I found out that I won, I was stuck. I couldn’t believe it.”
An honors ceremony was held after the event, which included special recognition of students who received Superior ratings for their performances.
Armstrong, who is a native of Jackson, Mississippi, prepared for the competition by himself or with his closest friend. He found that being to himself helped him focus and hone the skills needed to perform well under pressure.
“I played in an empty room or with just my friend,” he candidly shared. “I would pretty much go through my piece. I have anxiety issues when it comes to playing in front of people. It took a lot of peace and muscle memory to keep me on track.”
Towers believes that his student is extraordinarily gifted and feels privileged to pour into young talented minds on a daily basis. Seeing his students reach their goals is something that the educator finds joy in.
“Just to see and hear William practicing in the music practice room is a bit refreshing for me because I know what goes on in the music building on the university level,” Towers added. “His work ethic serves as a model and point of reference that we, as faculty, hope will catapult the other student majors in developing productive habits.”
Towers believes that some students simply have the “it factor” and have a bright future ahead of them. He hopes the young virtuoso continues on a solid path of success.
“William is truly a naturally gifted pianist. He has many great tangibles that a music instructor would love to mentor and/or coach. Over the 20 years that I have served as an instructor here at Coahoma, William has been the best classical pianist that I have ever had as a student. But of course, I will not tell him that,” Towers shared jokingly.
Armstrong competed in a category that was comprised of students in grades nine through junior college. Students performed at least two compositions from differing periods. Though the competition saw many great talents, he would go on to place first.
The skilled pianist encourages others to be unafraid and chase their dreams. He noted that a supporter being behind you can act as an accelerator, pushing you toward your intended goal.
“You can’t be intimidated. You work for what you have,” Armstrong shared. “You are here for a reason. I can speak for myself. Dr. Towers thought enough of me and had confidence that I knew enough to be there in the competition.”
“You can’t doubt yourself. You are here for a reason.”
As the first prize winner, Armstrong received a cash award of five hundred dollars. The second prize winner received four hundred dollars, the third prize winner received three hundred dollars, and the fourth prize winner received two hundred dollars. Honorable Mention awards of one hundred dollars each were given at the discretion of the festival judge.
The festival was co-sponsored by the Bank of Commerce, Charles Hall Studio, Greenwood Rotary Club, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Planters Bank, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and Walmart.