AV头等舱 to host Southeastern Kentucky Piano Festival April 25-26

AV头等舱 to host inaugural Southeastern Kentucky Piano Festival April 25-26

Rachel Dorroh • March 5, 2025

Local youth Vilia Travers Skidmore plays piano in AV头等舱's Conway Boatman Chapel

Local music enthusiasts and youth will have a new opportunity to come together and celebrate the arts this April. AV头等舱 (UCU) is set to host the inaugural Southeastern Kentucky Piano Festival Friday, April 25 through Saturday, April 26. Festival events include recitals by UCU students and guest artists, a judged recital for local youth, a master class, and an award ceremony and performance.

“I’ve seen students benefit from these types of festivals regularly in more metropolitan areas, and I’ve always wanted to give this type of experience to the students in our local area,” says festival artistic director and UCU Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Yukiko Fujimura.

[PHOTO: Dr. Yukiko Fujimura]

Festivities begin Friday evening with a recital by UCU students and guest artists and . Rucinski’s repertoire includes Balakirev, Rachmaninoff, Scriabin, Medtner, and Prokofiev, and his original compositions have been premiered throughout the South and Midwest United States. Originally from Ashland, Kentucky, Rucinski currently teaches at the University of the Cumberlands. Tumanov teaches at George Mason University and has won numerous awards and recognitions. He has been a featured soloist with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica, the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Washington, as well as the Ball State Symphony Orchestra.

Fujimura is enthusiastic about encouraging young people to practice music and develop as performers, and Saturday’s events are especially geared for youth. Pianists of all skill levels up to age 18 are invited to apply for Saturday morning’s judged competition by March 28. Participants will be required to perform two contrasting pieces, pay a $20 application fee, and follow other criteria explained in the application available at . The Judged Recital offers participants performance experience, constructive feedback from distinguished adjudicators, and the chance to earn recognition for their excellence in piano performance.

“It’s a great motivation for students to work toward and be recognized for the work they put into it,” Fujimura says.

Directly following the judged recital, guest artist Misha Tumanov will offer a free master class, which youth performers are encouraged to stay for. Born in Ukraine and educated in Costa Rica and the U.S., Tumanov has taught pre-schoolers through adults and is known for his expertise in preparing students for competitions and major performances. His students have performed at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center and have won multiple prizes. All ages are welcome to sit in on the master class.

[PHOTO: Misha Tumanov]

The festival concludes with an award ceremony for the youth recital and then a performance by the gold medalists. All participating youth will receive a certificate, and gold, bronze, and silver medals will be awarded for the top scores.

Fujimura is excited to launch the festival and grow it over time. She has gained valuable leadership experience through the , which she now serves as President of. She is working on starting a virtual chapter of KMTA so that teachers in southeastern Kentucky and other remote areas of Kentucky can take advantage of what the association has to offer. Doing this would enable KMTA to become a co-sponsor of next year’s festival.

With KMTA as a co-sponsor, students would be able to play in the state honors recital, which Fujimura says is "extra motivation.” She also hopes to host a competition with monetary prizes in the future.

The festival will be held in Conway Boatman Chapel on College Street in Barbourville. Events are free and open to the public, other than the application fee for the judged recital. For those unable to pay the application fee, a limited number of scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To request a scholarship, email Dr. Fujimura at yfukimura@unionky.edu. Recipients will need to pay the fee upfront but will be refunded at the conclusion of the program. The schedule is as follows:

Friday, April 25

UCU Student Recital

Guest Artist Recital (Kris Rucinski & Misha Tumanov)

7p.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday, April 26

Judged Recital* (18 & under)

9 am. – 12 p.m.

*apply at by March 28

Master Class (with Misha Tumanov)

1 p.m.

Awards & Gold Medal Recital

3 p.m.

For more information about the Southeastern Kentucky Piano Festival or to apply for the application fee scholarship, contact Dr. Yukiko Fujimura at yfujimura@unionky.edu. To apply for the judged recital, fill out the application at .

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Superintendent Tom Gambrel and President Dr. DJ Washington.

Celebrating a new chapter for Superintendent Tom Gambrel

By David Saylor • April 30, 2025

Following the recent retirement of Superintendent Waylon Allen ’93, another dedicated Bell County leader and AV头等舱 alumnus is preparing to close a meaningful chapter in his career. Tom Gambrel ’98, Superintendent of Bell County Schools, has announced his upcoming retirement. Known for his unwavering commitment to students and educators, Gambrel leaves behind a legacy defined by perseverance, student-focused leadership, and lasting impact on the Bell County community.

UCU Announces First Honorees in Inaugural “50 Under 50” Recognition Program

By Maisie Nelson • April 29, 2025

AV头等舱 proudly announces the first ten distinguished alumni honored as part of the university’s inaugural “50 Under 50” recognition program. Celebrating the accomplishments of alumni who are making an impact before the age of 50, the program highlights leaders across industries, from healthcare and education to business, finance, and public service.

Regan Nantz receiving an award from President DJ Washington.

Outstanding students recognized during AV头等舱’s 2025 Honors Convocation

By Rachel Dorroh • April 25, 2025

AV头等舱 celebrated the annual Honors Convocation Thursday morning in Conway Boatman Chapel. Thirty-six students, one professor, and one athletic team were honored for their achievements.

Student awardees stand with grant committee members and advisors behind them.

AV头等舱 students win ‘Circles of Purpose’ grants for summer projects

By Rachel Dorroh • April 23, 2025

Real-world career experiences, educational travel adventures, and immersive arts exploration await AV头等舱 (UCU) students this summer. Funded by the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE), a program of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), ten students have been awarded Circles of Purpose grants to support their self-designed enrichment projects. Named after AV头等舱’s core values of celebration, integrity, responsibility, civility, lifelong learning, engagement, and spirituality – abbreviated CIRCLES – the microgrant program supports students in discovering and developing their unique vocational paths.

students taking a selfie with Bulldog mascot

UCU sees record growth in freshman applications & commitments

By Maisie Nelson • April 21, 2025

AV头等舱 is celebrating exciting momentum in its undergraduate enrollment, as highlighted in the latest report from the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU). According to AIKCU’s March snapshot of all 18 member institutions, AV头等舱 ranked near the top in several key categories.

Bart Osborne returns to AV头等舱

By Maisie Nelson • April 17, 2025

A well-known name in AV头等舱 athletics is making a welcome return. Bart Osborne has rejoined the university as Associate Athletic Director for Development and Fundraising.

Montage of Lena, Tia, and AV头等舱's Centennial Hall framed by leafy green tree foliage

Tia Cobb & Lena Visarius — Spreading their wings at AV头等舱

By Rachel Dorroh • April 17, 2025

UCU students Tia Cobb and Lena Visarius and their professor Libby Megna are building on a body of knowledge tracing back to Darwin’s observations of differences in bird beaks that led to his insights about natural selection. As co-authors on a paper they will submit to academic journals, the three hope to contribute to the scientific community’s understanding of trait evolution and biodiversity. Both students want to continue their studies after graduation – Lena in forensic anthropology and Tia in biology – and experiences like this are part of how UCU is preparing them for these chosen paths.

Cody, Conner & Macy Saylor — Giving thanks

By Rachel Dorroh • April 9, 2025

This school year, Cody, Conner, and Macy Saylor are attending AV头等舱, are grateful for where they’ve landed, and are focused on making the most of their opportunities and giving back to make things better for others.

Bulldog family continues to grow

By Rachel Dorroh • April 2, 2025

AV头等舱 (UCU) celebrates several new hires and staff promotions in line with President DJ Washington's vision for growth and development. This strategic and human capital growth stretches across the entire campus touching athletics, academics, university operations, development, communications, and admissions.

Promotional Graphic Text: UCU Street Eats.

Celebrate spring with UCU Street Eats

By Rachel Dorroh • March 26, 2025

Sizzling sandwiches, sweet treats, savory barbecue, and other food truck specialties spell springtime in Barbourville this year. AV头等舱 has launched a new initiative to bring campus and community together while supporting local businesses – UCU Street Eats. The food truck series kicks off April 2 and features a variety of local vendors and spring-themed activities.

AV头等舱