By Lyn Ward Correspondent
BREMEN  — The ‘Musical Idols’ event in the Bowen Auditorium at Bremen High School on March 11 was a first for Encore Performing Arts. It won’t be the last according to Debi Gidley, executive director for Encore.
Talented Plymouth and Bremen high school students participated.
Longtime Encore board member Shirley Gidley served as master of ceremonies. Though she had a script from daughter-in-law Debi, she was quick to adlib.
“It always gives me such joy and warm feelings to see these kids. It’s rewarding for me — probably not for them,” she quipped. As a substitute teacher at Plymouth High School, she knows many of them well. “It’s very important for us to be supportive of these students. We have to have the arts for a well-rounded, well-informed society,” she added.
She emphasized that “this is not a competition but a chance for the public to hear the young talent we have right here in Marshall County.”
But there were judges who would choose the Best of Show as well as writing positive comments on each performance that would be given to the respective music directors. Mary Pat Glaub and Cindy Wagoner represented Plymouth and Matthew Sutton and Tim Snyder orchestrated the Bremen students.

Judges Karen Schlosser, Frank Brubaker and Beth Lockwood had an arduous task coming up with Best of Show.
“It was a tough decision,” Schlosser admitted.
Dr. Jon and Mary Kubley of Plymouth were two of the close to 80 who listened.
“That was really good music,” Mary commented. Both are very supportive of the arts, Debi Gidley said.         Those on hand were also able to cast a ballot for their favorite.
When all was said and done, pianist Jacob Hundt playing “Deux Arabesques” by Debussy was named. He was the judge’s fourth-place choice but the popular vote swung the award to Hundt. The Bremen junior has been involved with music since fifth grade beginning with the trumpet. He turned to the piano less than three years ago and took a first at the state competition.
“I’m ashamed I didn’t practice more,” emcee Shirley Gidley offered.
Plymouth High School musicians garnered the rest of the awards.
A saxophone quartet comprised of Alyssa Cabrera, Rejeana Overmyer, Calvin Cook and Matt Tinsley playing “Sailor’s Hornpipe” by Cowell took first place with the judges.
Second place went to a wind quintet consisting of Cassie Eberly, Morgan Hassett, Kayla Hassett, Kayla Wentz and a repeat for Rejeana Overmyer, this time wielding a clarinet instead of a saxophone.
The two groups played back to back and Overmyer was a bit tardy taking her place on stage. She was hurriedly changing from a black cocktail dress to black slacks and white blouse. The talented senior would be playing with four groups before the second portion of the program was completed.
“She’ll probably have to change again,” Shirley laughed.
The final award went to Plymouth junior Rachael Ridenour who sang “Alma del Core” by Antonio Calderas.
It took a host of help to orchestrate the event. Encore was quick to thank Bruce Jennings, assistant principal, for hosting as well as the staff. Beth Lockwood and the Bremen Music Boosters not only helped organize but provided refreshments for the participants.
Above all, thanks went out to the students who gave of their time on a beautiful, sunny afternoon.
“Encore would like to give a big thank you to each and every student who has performed here today, for your hard work and tremendous talent,” Shirley said as she was interrupted by thunderous applause from the audience. “Thank you for giving your time today to allow us to hear some great music and congratulations to each and every one of you for your past and future musical success.”
Judges, Encore board members, Bremen Band Booster members and faculty brainstormed after the event on how to improve next year. Foremost was the involvement of more schools. But how to keep the program to two hours duration?
Bremen Band Booster Lockwood suggested a modification of the forms used for the state competition. Another suggestion was to separate vocal and musical solos from the instrumental trios and ensembles.
So it’s back to the drawing board looking forward to an even bigger and better event next year.