Gwendellyn Doerfler
2024 Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge winner Gwendellyn Doerfler. Photo by Rebecca J. Michelson
Gwendellyn Doerfler is going into her senior year at Dewitt High School in Dewitt, Michigan, in the fall of 2024. Gwendellyn is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Association International and recently made the Bob Kingsley Top 40 list. Gwendellyn is also a member of her school's top choral group which was named Outstanding Choir of the Year and is playing Ariel in the fall musical, Footloose, after taking the stage as Aunt Eller of Oklahoma in the fall of 2023. Gwendellyn intends to pursue songwriting and performing in the future.
Gwendellyn Doerfler during rehearsals of her original song, "The Cost." Photo by Rebecca J. Michelson
“The Cost”
Music & Lyrics by Gwendellyn Doerfler
Program Mentor: Zeniba Now
Orchestrator: Anessa Marie
Featuring Desi Oakley with Amy Keum & Ashley LaLonde
This song is about a girl moving to Nashville in the 1970's to become a country songwriter despite never having written a song before. This girl wonders if her choice is the right one and explores the real reasons she moved.