2026 Commencement Contest Winners – Vocal
Maranatha’s Music Department announces the winners of this year’s Vocal Commencement Contest. The contest allows student musicians to develop their presentation and performance skills. Pianists and Instrumentalists have the opportunity to compete in separate categories of the Commencement Contest. Pastor Dave Zimmerman adjudicated the Vocal division.
Winner
Accompanied by Jamie Martinez, Cienna Kerr won first place, singing “I Sought the Lord,” by Don Humphreys, and “Der Sandmann” by Robert Schumann. Cienna is a freshman studying Music Education.
Adjudicator Dave Zimmerman says, “Everyone I listened to brought me much joy in their music and obvious hard work!”
Competition winners receive a cash prize and their name is placed on a perpetual plaque.
Runner-up
Accompanied by Mrs. Ruth Bachorik, Daniel Earnest won second place, performing “In My Father’s House Are Many Mansions” by Lucian Jewell, and “Bright is the Ring of Words” by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Daniel is a Junior Music Minor with a Voice Proficiency.
Adjudicator
Dave Zimmermann recently retired after a fulfilling career in education and ministry. He spent 25 years as a public school choir director in Minnesota and Watertown before transitioning to pastoral ministry in 2012 and joining the ministry team at River Valley Alliance Church, where he has served for the past 14 years, including as Senior Pastor since 2016. In retirement, Dave continues to serve the Lord, enjoy time with family, and embrace the simple joys of everyday life.