Kester receives prestigious music award

Lenora Kester's instrumental music performance at district competition struck a chord with judges.

The Summerland musician received an outstanding performance award for a flute solo at the April 19 event in Ainsworth.

Kester joined band in fifth grade, spending nearly seven years honing her musical craft.

At districts, she performed "Sonatina" by Muzio Clementi, arranged by Larry Clark. High school music instructor Emily Heithoff said Kester chose the piece from a collection of songs for the flute.

"Lenora is very good at choosing songs that are challenging for her. She is so easy to work with because her love of music is apparent," Heithoff said.

Kester began practicing for the contest in early April. She estimates she played it through about half a dozen times before the performance.

While music is second nature to Kester, she found preparation for the contest to be challenging.

"I did not have much time to prepare due to sports, education, work and other extracurricular activities."

Judges complete written critiques while students perform. Once the applause dies down, judges present an oral critique.

"Sometimes, they have us redo a part with a tip they gave us to listen to the difference. Their comments normally are about air control, memory of the words, opening your mouth, control of notes/words, dynamics and holding notes out or shorter," Kester said.

This is the first time a Summerland band or choir member has received the award.

Heithoff said Kester "has always loved" performing on her flute.

"Her musical abilities come so naturally to her. She knows exactly how to take the notes on the Page and turn them into music," the instructor said.

She added that Kester is a natural leader. Those traits are on display in the music department.

Heithoff said, "She is kind and patient with everyone. Lenora always has very good suggestions when it comes to the music that we play, I like when the students have a say in what we play every year," she added.

Kester said she feels honored to have been selected for the award.

"This is a huge honor," Kester said. "This means I was the top performer of that' judge's entire list of performers. It makes me feel my practice pays off and I'm improving/achieving in my favorite activities."