Cotter’s music listening teams fared well at a recent competition but did not move on to the next level of the MSHSL sponsored event.

Music Listening, under the direction of Ms. Snyder, is a group that meets during lunch, and listens to classical music, slowly gaining the skills to name the song and composer of the piece. Members are placed in teams of three, this year there are two three-person teams. This year’s members include Tim Welch, Jane Koll, Ryan Ortega, Tim DeMarais, Bryant Gernes, and Sammi Knight. The two teams went to Winona State University for the regional competition.

Bryant Gernes, a two year music listening member, wasn’t even all for music listening at first, but has come to enjoy it very much.  “I  joined at first because one of my friends told me I should, and that it would be fun to try.”

The contest materials covered classical music, global perspectives and a variety of musical influences. The objective of the contest is to inspire students to become lifelong participants in the musical experience. Team members receive a study guide and repertoire of compact discs that contain all the musical selections they will need to compete effectively. All teams participate in regional competitions.

Cotter’s teams finished 4th and 6th, one team was scored as high as 2nd by one of the judges. The top two scoring schools from each regional contest advance to the state competition held at Augsburg College, February 6, 2015.