GCCC Music Department Hosts Over 500 Students for Annual KMEA Learning Day
The Garden City Community College (GCCC) Music Department welcomed over 500 high school music students from 20 schools across Western Kansas on September 30, 2026, for the annual Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) Learning Day.
The full-day event, held on the GCCC campus, is designed to prepare students for upcoming district and state honor ensemble auditions. Participants received guidance in choir, band, and orchestra through rehearsals, sectional work, and coaching from GCCC and Fort Hays State University faculty, as well as local teachers and community members.
“KMEA Learning Day gives students a chance to collaborate with peers from across the region while refining the skills they’ll need for auditions,” said Sean Boller, GCCC Associate Professor of Vocal Music and Choir Director. “We are especially grateful for the incredible support from our colleagues at Fort Hays, as well as our own faculty. Their expertise and willingness to work with students made the day an outstanding success.”
Boller added, “I also want to thank Dr. Ryan Ruda, Dr. Lance Hawvermale, and our Admissions team for welcoming these students to campus. I’m especially grateful to our faculty, custodial staff, and maintenance staff for their hard work in helping this event run smoothly.”
In addition to large-group rehearsals, students attended faculty-led workshops that highlighted audition strategies, effective practice techniques, and opportunities available through GCCC’s music programs.
By hosting KMEA Learning Day, GCCC continues to play a vital role in strengthening music education across Western Kansas while cultivating the next generation of musicians.
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Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.