by Hanna Singh
Ruston High School students, Melissa Le, Elena Baines, and Preston Parker all received their 4th Gold Cup in the 2025 National Federation of Music Club event. The students performed individual piano pieces, earning superior ratings while representing their community and their school.
A performance event for students, the Federation serves as a way for students to achieve awards for their musical performances. Up to 5 points can be earned each year in any category with a superior rating, and a gold cup can be earned every 3 years after achieving 15, 30, 45 or 60 points. In the senior concerto division, students are allowed to earn 8 points per year for a superior rating due to the increased difficulty level.
Present Parker has performed 2 concerto performances alongside Dee Alexander as accompaniment. They performed the first movement of List’s Concerto No 1 in E Flat Major in 2024 and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue in 2025. Both Parker and Alexander dedicated time and effort to practicing the intricate pieces. Parker achieved the highest score for his performances in both years. This enabled him to earn the 4th gold cup faster than any Ruston Area Music Teachers Association student who has ever achieved that award.
With 2 more years ahead to continue his solo and concerto piano performances, Parker is on track to earn his Grand Cup in 2026 and the President’s Cup in 2027, his senior year. Parker’s music teacher, Denise Cox, praised his hard work and dedication toward earning this esteemed award.
“Preston Parker has been in my piano studio since kindergarten and it has truly been a joy to watch him develop his God-given talent,” Cox said. “All 3 of these students have accomplished so much through their consecutive superior ratings. Earning the 4th Gold Cup in Federation is a tribute to their talent and dedication to perfection in their piano studies.”
Elena Baines, an incoming Junior at Ruston, received her 4th Gold Cup in the solo piano performance division. Incoming Senior at Ruston High School, Melissa Le, also received her 4th Gold Cup for solo piano performance. Their music teacher, Jeanne Patterson commented on their unwavering resilience in years past toward growing and learning in their skill.
“Elena and Melissa are top notch students who always put in the work required to excel in anything they do,” Patterson said. “I am blessed to have each of them as my students and their families as piano parents. It’s that combination that makes the magic.”
All 3 students will continue to pursue their musical passions, working toward receiving higher achievements within the Federation in coming years.
