Andrew Boren, Alecs Butka and Matthew Till, students in Howard Payne University’s Pre-College Music program, successfully competed at the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Regional Contest in February. All three students earned First Division Superior ratings in their categories.

Each competed in the Piano Solo Event, while Boren also participated in the Horn Solo and Horn Ensemble and Butka also participated in the Percussion Ensemble.

The UIL music program of the UIL is designed to support and enrich the teaching of music as an integral component of the public school curriculum, as well as allowing students studying privately with a teacher the opportunity to perform a solo on the instrument of their choice. Students earning a First Division Superior rating at the regional competition are eligible to advance to the UIL State Solo and Ensemble Contest, hosted annually in Austin on Memorial Day weekend.

The Pre-College Music program is directed by Diane Owens.

“We are very proud of these young students and their initiative in performing – not only with their high school ensembles, but also working independently on their piano solos,” Owens said.

For further information about the Pre-College Music program at Howard Payne University, please contact Diane Owens at 325-649-8501 or dowens@hputx.edu.