Junior Jordyn Barber earned the Maestro Award, based solely on her voice and talent while performing a solo for three judges at the Heritage Music Festival in Orlando, Fla. over Spring Break.

Barber was one of 19 students who competed for the award, and won over the judges by performing “Bonse Aba,” which is a Zambian children’s song.

Barber was proud of the performance and what it means both for the recognition of Ritenour as well as her future.

“I really feel honored, because coming from Ritenour, our music department doesn’t always get much recognition. Having people coming up from different schools to congratulate me was a good experience, Barber said. “I think it means that I’m capable of doing things outside of just my school. It means I’m good enough to do this as a profession,” said Barber, when asked how the magnitude of the award had affected her.

For many, the prospect of standing in front of three strangers and singing is terrifying at it’s best. However, Jordyn said that was not true of her experience.

“I was more nervous for the students that were there. It wasn’t very nerve wracking, but it was definitely a little scary,” Barber said. “I feel like this is just one milestone within my profession that I can be really proud of.”

Dr. Richard Bell is Barber’s choir teacher, and he was proud of her performance.

“She sang well with good energy and the judges recognized her for her well-received performance,” Bell said.

Bell also noted that this is exactly the type of situation that makes teachers feel proud of the job they do on a daily basis.

“As a teacher, this is what we are always working towards–having students take an opportunity and run with it,” Bell said.