Emerging artists hope that others deem their work to be “excellent”- not many have that modifier publicly bequeathed upon them by top art critics from across Cincinnati.

SHS can be proud to boast three students currently awaiting the last round of judging in the Overture Awards competition.

The triad of competitors, all juniors, and their categories are Tracy Wong, instrumental music, piano, Hannah Goldman, creative writing, poetry, and Emily Kissela, musical theater, song and monologue.

Each has entered the competition at least once before, and also competes in other local and national competitions for her craft. Their standing in the cast of finalists guarantees a scholarship of $500, and one winner in each division will be awarded a scholarship of $2,500.

Each artist’s domain is suited by specific preparations. Wong spends truly countless hours playing through her piano pieces at home, but that is not the whole process.

“Before going to a competition I write out the story I get from the music,” said Wong. “When I play I think of the mood.”

Also in the musical realm, Kissela cites lessons with her acting and vocal coach, and also meeting with Aves Theatre director Mr. John Whapham, to learn the material. Then she reviews personally.

“I like to practice my pieces a couple times a night before I go to sleep, just to keep them up and really have them down backward and forward,” said Kissela.

Goldman spent much time choosing which works to include in her portfolio, meeting with Ms. Melissa Wolfe, head of the English department, to prepare for submission.

“I sent my work at the beginning of submission time,” said Goldman. Though it has been a painfully long wait since last November, “I don’t have to worry about re-competing” for the judges each round.

As each artist independently noted, they are there for the sake of the art.

“I write poetry because it is a forum I feel I can be truthful in, what I see and what I feel,” said Goldman. “It’s cool that what I do for myself, other people find value in.”

Update 3/5/12: Finalists Hannah Goldman, 11, and Tracy Wong, 11, won the Overture Awards for Creative Writing and Instrumental Music, respectively, and were awarded scholarships in the amount of $2,500. Kissela received a $500 scholarship because of her finalist standings.