Max Whisenhunt Won Vocal Competition Award
A 10th-grade homeschool student earned second place at the 2026 Great American Songbook competition in Shreveport.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Singing
Live Poll
Do you believe local student vocal competitions are a valuable way to showcase regional talent?
Max Whisenhunt, a 10th-grade student from Greenbrier, secured second place at the Songbook South High School Vocal Competition. The event took place at the Hurley School of Music at Centenary College of Louisiana.
Why it matters
The competition highlights rising vocal talent among high school students through the Great American Songbook tradition. Participants gain professional development through masterclasses led by industry clinicians.
Max Whisenhunt competed as a 10th-grade student, earning a 2nd place finish at the Great American Songbook Edition 2026. The event was held at the Hurley School of Music at Centenary College of Louisiana.
The players
Max Whisenhunt
He is a 10th-grade homeschool student from Greenbrier who placed second in the vocal competition.
Laurel Masse
She is a professional vocalist and clinician who provided instructional guidance during the event masterclass.
Dean Rolando
He is a music clinician who co-led the intensive vocal masterclass prior to the competition.
The details
Before the main competition, Whisenhunt participated in an intensive masterclass designed to refine vocal technique. The workshop was led by professional clinicians Laurel Masse and Dean Rolando.
Timeline
The Great American Songbook Edition 2026 competition occurred in 2026.
Culture Shift
The success of students like Whisenhunt reflects a broader cultural movement focusing on the preservation and performance of classic American popular music. This participation aligns with the Great American Songbook Foundation's high school initiatives, which standardize vocal training for young performers nationwide.
Students and parents in the Shreveport area can use these results as a benchmark for local musical opportunities. Prospective vocalists may consider future participation in masterclasses to refine their own technical skills and performance repertoire.
The takeaway
Engaging in vocal competitions provides students with critical exposure to professional clinicians and industry peers. These experiences often serve as a catalyst for long-term development in musical performance and technical mastery.
Further reading
Discover more about local vocal performances in the Singing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Log Cabin Democrat.
Live Poll
Do you believe local student vocal competitions are a valuable way to showcase regional talent?
