Keeping the Great American Songbook alive

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By Zach Manges

Annie Weidner
Annie Weidner

The 2014 Great American Songbook Vocal Academy & Competition Midwest regional round took place on May 17 in Anne Arbor, Mich., where Zionsville Community High School senior Annie Weidner competed and placed as an alternate for the finals.

The Great American Songbook Initiative was created in 2007 by Michael Feinstein for the preservation and promotion of music from the early and middle twentieth century.

With a mission statement of “to inspire and educate by celebrating the Great American Songbook,” the initiative’s aims are accomplished with an extensive archive, gallery exhibitions, and educational programs. Through the competition, talented students are given the opportunity to help maintain that culture.

“This competition is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. I learned so much, not only from the brilliant mentors, but from my peers as well,” Weidner said. “It was inspiring to spend the day with such passionate musicians who love this timeless music as much as I do.”

The competition begins with an audition of two songs submitted online by high school students across the country. Musical educators and industry professionals evaluate the submissions and pick ten students per region to move to the second round, where chosen performers participate in a day of master classes and workshops, culminating in a concert where the educators choose two students to move to the final round. With such stiff competition, a strong voice alone isn’t enough to win a spot.

“Besides vocal ability and stage presence, the most important trait for competitors is the ability to be open to feedback and open to trying new things,” Chris Lewis, Director of Programs, said. “Our competition mentors often rework musical arrangements or ask students to try different musical approaches.”

Though this competition began five years ago as a small weekend-long event for local singers, it has since expanded to include 31 states nationwide and six regional rounds, with the final round at the Palladium lasting five days and selling out every year thus far. Despite the scale of the event, though, it’s clear the deeper significance of it is not lost on its talented performers.

“This music is a lot more than just notes on a page,” Weidner said. “Music is the ultimate form of expression, a way to reveal what’s truly in our hearts.”


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