Piano studios of Donna Batey and Carla Fanning recently presented their spring recital and awards ceremony at Victory Baptist Church in Sherman.

Performers from Batey's studio were Westin Chaddick, Hannah Williams, Jessica Adams, Samantha Farmer, Seth Williams, Rider Calhoun, Mason Taylor, Savannnah Chaddick, Audrey Alnether, Zane Truly, Aldyn Taylor, Luke Altnether, Sydney Truly, Abby Schilli, Jonathan Schich and Amelia Tomlinson.

Performers from Fanning's studio were Lola Alexander, Caroline Patin, Lindsey Fanning, Jared Ackley, Jossette McCurrin, Hunter Plauche', Taylor Garland, Lauren Fanning, Clayton Cummings, Jennifer Mrusek, Jessica Ackley, Cristian Soltero, Lauren Patin and Cara Lavender.

Cara Lavender, a senior at S & S, performed two pieces from her scholarship audition repertoire -- Danza de la Moza Donosa by Alberto Ginastera and Doctor Gradus an Parnassum by Claude Debussy. Lavender, a scholarship recipient, will attend Centenary College of Louisiana this fall as a music and pre-med double major.

An award ceremony and reception followed the recital. Certificates and ribbons were presented to students for their performances in the Grayson County Music Teachers Association Student Affiliate Fall Festival, Halloween Recital and Christmas recital and Sacred Music Festival.

Medals earned in the Texas State Music Theory Test were presented. Gold medallists were Jonathan Schich and Jared Ackley. Silver medallists were Aldyn Taylor, Audrey Altnether, Zane Truly and Jessica Ackley. Bronze medallists were Seth Williams and Mason Taylor.

"Most Improved Pianist 2009" trophies were awarded to Hunter Plauche' and Abby Schilli.

From Batey's studio, Mason Taylor was awarded Best Overall Student 2009 trophy and Seth Williams was awarded 2009 Best Memory Award (younger division) trophy.

From Fanning's studio, trophies for "Perfect Pianist Plus 2009" were presented to Jared Ackley, Jessica Ackley, Lola Alexander, Jennifer Mrusek, and Cristian Soltero. These students participated in six required piano activities plus optional activities throughout the past year. Receiving "Perfect Pianist 2009" trophies were Caroline Patin, Lauren Patin and Hunter Plauche'. These students participated in six piano activities (both required and optional) throughout the year.

Trophy winners at the Southeastern Oklahoma State University Baroque Piano Competition were recognized. Earning first place trophies at the event were Jared Ackley (K-4th grade division), Jessica Ackley (7th and 8th grade division) and Jossette McCurrin (9th and 10th grade division). Earning a second place trophy was Hunter Plauche' (K-4th grade division).

Students were recognized for earning trophies at the Denison Performing Arts Piano Competition. First place winner was Lauren Patin (7th and 8th grade division) and second place winner was Cristian Soltero (7th and 8th grade division).

Trophy winners at the Grayson County Music Teachers Association Spring Piano Competition were also commended. First place winners were Jessica Ackley (7th and 8th grade division) and Jossette McCurrin (9th and 10th grade division). Second place winner was Cristian Soltero (7th and 8th grade division). Third place winner was Mason Taylor (5th and 6th grade division). Honorable Mention winner was Cara Lavender (11th and 12th grade division).

Students presented with certificates and pins signifying their 2009-2010 memberships in the National Fraternity of Student Musicians for their successful auditions in the National Guild of Piano Teachers Auditions were Jared Ackley, Jessica Ackley, Lola Alexander, Jennifer Mrusek, Lauren Patin and Cristian Soltero. All six earned the prestigious "Top Talent Critic's Circle" National ranking distinction.