This past weekend, Enloe’s Chamber Choir was given the unique opportunity to participate in the inaugural Athena Festival in Nashville, Tennessee.  Three choirs from across the nation competed for the Athena Prize in a 3-day celebration of chorus and community. Day two of the competition involved a classic Nashville tradition: the songwriter round. Each of the three participating ensembles selected students to perform an original piece, competing for the Songwriter Award. Representing Enloe were seniors Ella Ludwig and Reese Culbreth.

Following a packed weekend of rehearsals, performances, and country music, all participants gathered in Trevecca University’s Zelma Waggoner Performance Hall for the awards ceremony. Dr. Tim Powell, festival director, described this award as honoring Nashville culture and the vibrant emotional expression of young songwriters. He presented the prestigious Songwriter Award to Ella Ludwig for her performance of her song “Midnight Calls.” 

“It was such an honor to perform with an actual band,” says Ella, “especially since this was a song that I wrote by myself in my bedroom.” And what a performance it was — Ella blew the crowd away with her dynamic presence and intricate musicality. “One of my favorite things to do is meet other songwriters… other people who share that passion, you go through a lot of the same creative journeys. It was so much fun to be up there with such phenomenally talented performers and artists.”

Along with a one thousand dollar cash prize, the Songwriter Award involves recognition from several prominent Nashville-area producers. This recognition is matched by the outpouring of support from Ella’s peers and friends. 

“I am so proud of Ella. I have seen her grow over the course of six years from amazing to indescribable. She is going to go places in the future,” says fellow Chamber Choir member Lauren Comer, “she’s going to be famous someday.”

Stream Midnight Calls! The award-winning track is available on Spotify under Ella Loretta.