WHS Senior Lucy Gannon Earns 4th All-State Pianist Title
Lucy Gannon, a senior at Waukee High School, accomplished something big this year — becoming a four-time All-State Pianist!
The Selection Process
“All-State is a prestigious music festival where talented students earn their place through a competitive audition process and spend three days preparing for a final concert. Being selected, especially for multiple years, is a significant achievement,” Lucy explains.
The auditions are challenging. According to the Iowa High School Music Association, only 17% of students who audition are selected to be in All-State Music Festival. The piano competition is even tougher — out of the 1,100 total All-State musicians, only three are pianists. They accompany the band, orchestra, and choir.
The fact that Lucy has been selected as one of the three pianists for four years in a row is incredible.
“Preparing for auditions involves learning and performing extensive choir, band, and orchestra piano pieces, sometimes totaling 80 to 120 pages, and practicing under the guidance of Waukee choir and band directors,” Lucy says.
Although Lucy has been an All-State pianist for the past three years, this year is extra special.
“In previous years, I’ve accompanied both the band and the orchestra,” Lucy shares. “Being the accompanist for the choir this year is an honor, and it’s a role that’s important to the ensemble.”
Waukee High School’s choir director, Jeff Knutson, and band director, Rishi Kolusu, are thrilled for Lucy and appreciate the opportunity to work with such a gifted music student.
“Lucy is not only exceptionally talented but she also has the work ethic to match,” Knutson says. “She truly deserves this recognition.”
Kolusu adds, “We’re so proud of her achievements and thankful for the chance to work with her here in Waukee.”
Additional Recognitions
In addition to piano, Lucy also plays the bass drum and flute. Her dedication to music has led to achievements in the Schubert Club and Steinway Club competitions, and she performed as a soloist with the Des Moines Community Orchestra. She won the highest division in the Iowa Music Teachers Association and reached the top seven woodwind players in the nation as a flutist competing in the Music Teachers National Association.
More recently, Lucy has found a new and exciting challenge in playing jazz piano. She is currently the pianist for Waukee Jazz One, Avenue Jazz, and Soundcheck, and she has earned nine Outstanding Soloist awards at various jazz band competitions.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, Lucy plans to continue her education while keeping music as part of her life.
“In college, I plan on majoring in biology or chemistry in hopes of becoming a physician,” Lucy says. “I also hope to join a college drum line, keep playing piano, and stay involved in ensembles. Music has always been a huge part of my life, and I definitely want to keep it with me after high school.”
