Winners
2021 FSMTA Virtual Competitive Events Winners
Sincere congratulations to all prize-winners of the 2021 FSMTA Virtual Competitive Events and their teachers! Many thanks to the incredible judges of this year’s virtual competitions: Grigorios Zamparas, Diana Dumlavwalla, Jose Lopez, Melissa Barrett, Benjamin Sung, Tian Ying, Hedi Salanski-Rubardt, Kristen Stoner.
Next spring most of the FSMTA Competitions will take place live in Gainesville, FL. Please note that all collegiate level events will remain virtual. More updates will be posted on the FSMTA Competitive Events page: https://www.fmta.org/fsmta-competitive-events.html
(Winners' bios and photos found at the end of this list)
FSMTA String Competition, Senior Category, 16-19 y.o.:
FSMTA Pre-College Chamber Music Competition:
The State Concerto Competition:
Piano Junior Category
Piano Intermediate Category
Piano Senior Category
Strings Junior Category
Strings Intermediate Category
Strings Senior Category
Woodwind Intermediate Category
Gray Perry Young Collegiate Piano Competition:
Byrd Memorial Collegiate Piano Ensemble Competition:
Congratulations to all participants!
Looking forward to the FSMTA Competitive Events 2022.
Sincerely,
Anastasiya Naplekova
VP for FSMTA Competitive Events
Sincere congratulations to all prize-winners of the 2021 FSMTA Virtual Competitive Events and their teachers! Many thanks to the incredible judges of this year’s virtual competitions: Grigorios Zamparas, Diana Dumlavwalla, Jose Lopez, Melissa Barrett, Benjamin Sung, Tian Ying, Hedi Salanski-Rubardt, Kristen Stoner.
Next spring most of the FSMTA Competitions will take place live in Gainesville, FL. Please note that all collegiate level events will remain virtual. More updates will be posted on the FSMTA Competitive Events page: https://www.fmta.org/fsmta-competitive-events.html
(Winners' bios and photos found at the end of this list)
FSMTA String Competition, Senior Category, 16-19 y.o.:
- Winner - Isabela Diaz (student of Huifang Chen)
FSMTA Pre-College Chamber Music Competition:
- Winner - The Sigma Quartet (coached by Brian Griffin)
- 2nd Prize - Fine Strings Quartet (coached by Stephen Fine)
The State Concerto Competition:
Piano Junior Category
- Winner: Parker Wolf (student of Daniel Nagy)
- 2nd Prize: Bryan Zheng (student of Hong Lin) and Madison Fang (student of Olga Glick)
- Honorable Mention: Raymond Chiang (student of Roxanne Stevenson)
Piano Intermediate Category
- Winner: Joseph Wang (student of Maria Gomez)
- 2nd Prize: Vincent Pham (student of Rebecca Penneys)
- Honorable Mention: Fyodor Rudchenko (student of Jasmin Arakawa) and Matthew Phan (student of Mary Lou Krosnick)
Piano Senior Category
- Winner: Angelina Ning (student of Tian Ying)
- 2nd Prize: Cory Johnston (student of Bruce Adams)
- Honorable Mention: Elise Brown (student of Joanne Smith) and Ton Pham (student of Will Daniels)
Strings Junior Category
- Winner - Leila Warren (student of Sonja Foster)
- Honorable Mention - Ivan Kalashnykov (student of Leana Strouse)
Strings Intermediate Category
- Winner - Sarah Park (student of Philip Pan)
- 2nd Prize Winner - David Xiao (student of Huifang Chen) and Lauren Juntunen (student of Ayako Yonetani)
- Honorable Mention - Ellen Hu (student of Kim Jueun Warf)
Strings Senior Category
- Winner - Isabela Diaz (student of Huifang Chen)
- Honorable Mention - Leo Lam (student of Hanhua Howard Yu)
Woodwind Intermediate Category
- Winner - Kara Ravaschieri (student of Marie Jureit-Beamish)
Gray Perry Young Collegiate Piano Competition:
- 1st Prize Winner - Michelle Wijaya (student of Michael Baron)
- 2nd Prize Winner - Christopher Tavernier (student of Read Gainsford)
- Honorable Mention: Jair Zacarias (student of Michael Baron), Victoria Paulino (student of Michael Baron), Yance Zheng (student of Roberta Rust)
Byrd Memorial Collegiate Piano Ensemble Competition:
- 1st Prize Winners: Arturo Fernandez and Jair Zacarias (students of Michael Baron)
- 2nd Prize Winners: Victoria Paulino and Michelle Wijaya (students of Michael Baron)
Congratulations to all participants!
Looking forward to the FSMTA Competitive Events 2022.
Sincerely,
Anastasiya Naplekova
VP for FSMTA Competitive Events
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FSMTA String Competition, Senior Category, 16-19 y.o.:
Winner - Isabela Diaz (student of Huifang Chen) Isabela Diaz is a 15-year-old violinist who lives in Miami, Florida, and has been studying the violin since she was six. For the past few years, she has been studying alongside Huifang Chen and Jose Guibert. She has participated in community orchestras such as the Greater Miami Youth Symphony and Miami Music Project, giving her the opportunity to play under the direction of renowned music directors such as Itzhak Perlman, Michael Tilson Thomas, Carlos Miguel Prieto, Maximiliano Valdes, Robert McDuffie, Stephane Deneve and James Judd, among others. In 2015, she participated in the GMYS Concerto Competition and won first place at the String Orchestra Division. In 2016, she participated at the Bravo! MusicLab Finale Concert in the New World Center as Concert Master. From 2017 to 2019, she was selected to participate in the Florida All-State Honors Orchestra. Additionally, she participated in the Superintendent's Honors Music Festival organized by the Miami Dade Public Schools in the last two years. In 2019, she participated in the New World Symphony Side by Side Concert, the Sphinx Performance Academy at Curtis Institute of Music and the National Youth Orchestra 2 gathered by Carnegie Hall. |
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FSMTA Pre-College Chamber Music Competition:
Winner - The Sigma Quartet (coached by Brian Griffin) The Sigma Quartet members are Evan Thornton (vln 1), Max Griffin (vln 2), Justin Hasmath (vla), and Isis Perez (cello). In addition to having played together in a quartet for a year, they have also played together in the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Chamber Orchestra for three years. This orchestra was recently awarded 2nd place at the American String Teacher Association's National Orchestra Festival competition. All four members recently performed concertos with the Douglas Anderson Chamber Orchestra. The Sigma Quartet rehearses as a part of the String Chamber Music Class at Douglas Anderson. |
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Piano Junior Category
Winner: Parker Wolf (student of Daniel Nagy) Parker Wolf is 10 years old and is in fifth grade. He began taking piano lessons at the age of four and has been under the instruction of Mr. Daniel Nagy since then. Parker participates in many piano events throughout the year and has won several first place prizes. Among these is the John Leatherwood Concerto Competition in which he won first place and performed with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra (NFSO) in the Stars of Tomorrow Concert at the age of eight. Since then, Parker has enjoyed performing as a guest recitalist for the NFSO Guild and recently performed pre-concert at this year's Stars of Tomorrow Concert. At the age of nine, Parker won the Gold medal in the American Association for Development of the Gifted and Talented International Young Musicians's Festival, "Passion of Music 2020". He is invited to perform in the winner's concert at Carnegie Hall. Parker has performed as a guest at various recitals and events, including the 2018 Florida Federation of Music Club's Convention Concert. He was also invited by Yamaha artist (and "The Piano Guys" production manager), Craig Knudsen, to perform at his lecture and demonstrate the capabilities of Yamaha Clavinova and Disklavier pianos. Parker is also active playing hymns for his local church services and began playing as one of his church's congregational pianists at the age of six. In his time away from the piano, Parker enjoys going on road trips, rock wall climbing, and spending time with friends. |
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Piano Intermediate Category
Winner: Joseph Wang (student of Maria Gomez) Joseph Wang is 14 years old and a 9th grade student of America Heritage High school this year. He is musically talented and learned piano with his teacher, Maria Gomez, from the first grade of elementary in 2012. Joseph was the winners of the junior concerto district and state of FSMTA in the year of 2017 and the district 2nd place in 2018. He was the winner of Chopin Price Award of MTNA of Florida in 2019. He participated in Florida Federation of Music Clubs every year and won the 1st places of solo, concerto a lot of times since 2012. He liked learning and sharing the music with peers in recitals, in school and took masterclasses in districts. Besides, he enjoyed playing baseball, basketball in school and teams. |
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Piano Senior Category
Winner: Angelina Ning (student of Tian Ying) Angelina Ning, 16, is a junior at American Heritage School and currently studies with Professor Kevin Kenner and Professor Tian Ying of University of Miami. In the past, she has studied with Dr. Marina Lomazov and Dr. Joseph Rackers. Her past awards include top prizes at the Carmel Klavier International Piano Competition, East Carolina University Young Artists Competition, Peter Perret Youth Talent Search Concerto Competition, MTNA Southern division competition, David Dubois Piano Competition, Thousand Islands International Piano Competition, and the Steinway Piano Competition in Miami. In June 2019, she was featured on NPR’s From the Top with host Simone Dinnerstein. Most recently, Angelina has received first prizes in the Ocala Young Artist Competition and the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition. She has performed with the Alicante Symphony Orchestra, the Winston Salem Symphony Orchestra, the Alhambra Symphony Orchestra, and the FIU Symphony Orchestra. She has also participated in masterclasses with many esteemed musicians, including John Perry, Antonio Pompa-Baldi, Jerome Lowenthal, Boris Slutsky, Yoheved Kaplinsky, and Ilana Vered. She has attended the Southeastern Piano Festival, the Colburn Music Academy Piano Festival, the Texas State International Piano Festival, and Music Fest Perugia. Outside of music, Angelina enjoys reading and journaling and is also on her school’s scientific research team. |
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Strings Junior Category
Winner - Leila Warren (student of Sonja Foster) Leila Warren of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL started violin at age three. A student of Sonja Foster, Leila was recently named First Place winner of Florida’s 2020-21 MTNA State Junior Strings Competition; First Place age division winner of the 2021 Gulf Coast Steinway Society Music Competition in Alabama; and First Place age division winner at the 2021 Charleston SC International Classical Music Competition. Leila’s former teachers include Lisa Ponton and Dr. Simon Shiao. She made her debut soloing with the University of North Florida (UNF) Orchestra on the Mozart Concerto no. 3 in October 2019. During 2020, Leila was chosen as the youngest-ever finalist of the Hilton Head Youth Concerto Competition; performed solo for the Sposi Cantanti livestreamed Concert; was selected as a finalist for the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra Young Artist Competition; and performed at the Patron Appreciation Party for the Beaches Fine Arts Series in St. Augustine, FL. She has performed many solo and chamber concerts for functions all over north Florida for several years. She has performed in Master Classes with Stefan Jackiw, at UNF’s Recital Hall; Kurt Sassmanshaus at the University of Cincinnati’s Conservatory of Music; the Dover Quartet, during the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival; the Vega Quartet, during the Prelude Chamber Music Festival in Jacksonville; and with Joe Deninzon, for the 2020 ASTA National Conference. A straight-A student in the 6th grade at Alice B. Landrum Middle School, Leila is taking high school algebra. She studies ballet and Flamenco and enjoys acting and reading. |
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Strings Intermediate Category
Winner - Sarah Park (student of Philip Pan) Sarah C. Park, 13, is an Assistant Concert Master of Philharmonic level at Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra. She is a student of both the violin and the piano. Sarah debuted at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY, in 2018 with her violin for the winner's recital at the age of 10. She fell in love with music through violin from the age of 3, and the love for music was deepened as she was introduced to the piano at the age of 6. Sarah has won numerous competitions in both violin and piano at the State and International levels, including the Florida Federation of Music Clubs (FFMC), the American Protégé, Camerata International Music Competition, Sejong Cultural Music Competition, and New York Young Virtuoso Competition. She was nominated twice as the Irene Muir in 2019 for the extremely gifted young musicians from the FFMC judges. Outside of music, Sarah is an active member of the Robotics Team and Math team in her school. She recently won 1st place in Northeast Chapter in Florida state at the MathCounts Competition. Sarah created the Pratt library collection for Women in STEM with the monetary award she received from Florence Nightingale Student Video Competition in STEM. |
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Strings Senior Category
Winner - Isabela Diaz (student of Huifang Chen) Isabela Diaz is a 15-year-old violinist who lives in Miami, Florida, and has been studying the violin since she was six. For the past few years, she has been studying alongside Huifang Chen and Jose Guibert. She has participated in community orchestras such as the Greater Miami Youth Symphony and Miami Music Project, giving her the opportunity to play under the direction of renowned music directors such as Itzhak Perlman, Michael Tilson Thomas, Carlos Miguel Prieto, Maximiliano Valdes, Robert McDuffie, Stephane Deneve and James Judd, among others. In 2015, she participated in the GMYS Concerto Competition and won first place at the String Orchestra Division. In 2016, she participated at the Bravo! MusicLab Finale Concert in the New World Center as Concert Master. From 2017 to 2019, she was selected to participate in the Florida All-State Honors Orchestra. Additionally, she participated in the Superintendent's Honors Music Festival organized by the Miami Dade Public Schools in the last two years. In 2019, she participated in the New World Symphony Side by Side Concert, the Sphinx Performance Academy at Curtis Institute of Music and the National Youth Orchestra 2 gathered by Carnegie Hall. |
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Woodwind Intermediate Category
Winner - Kara Ravaschieri (student of Marie Jureit-Beamish) Kara Ravaschieri is from Jupiter, FL. She attends Dreyfoos School of the Arts, where she performs in the Wind Ensemble and Philharmonic Orchestra. She is also a member of the Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County. She was a member of the FMEA All State Middle School Band in 2019 and 2020. She was also a member of the FMEA All State 9/10 Concert Band in 2021. She has earned Superior Ratings, in 2018 and 2019, at the FBA District Solo and Ensemble Event. In 2019, she was a selected performer at the Stetson University Flute Workshop Young Artist Concert. She attended and performed in a masterclass with Kelly Zimba, through the 2020 Credo Flute Online Summer Program. She was recently selected to perform first flute in the 2021 New World Symphony Side by Side Virtual Program. She enjoys volunteering through the Do Re Mi Project and is a member of the Music Therapy Club at Dreyfoos. |
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Gray Perry Young Collegiate Piano Competition:
1st Prize Winner - Michelle Wijaya (student of Michael Baron) Born in Jakarta, 19-year old Michelle Wijaya started playing piano at the age of 7 and performed her first piano solo recital at the age of 13. That year Michelle also received the MURI record as the youngest pianist to perform and record all eight Schubert Impromptus. Michelle performed another solo recital in the Sydney Opera House in 2016, which resulted with a standing ovation from the audience. In her journey, Michelle has had several exciting experiences such as attending the “Chopin to Górecki” summer music festival in Poland in 2014 and winning several competitions such as first place in piano solo at ACE Convention when she was 11 and a third place in CDE open piano competition at the age of 14. In 2018, Michelle performed her third solo recital at the Lithuania Music and Theatre Academy, Lithuania. Michelle started studying with Mr. Iswargia Soedarno along with Mr. Alfred Sugiri in 2019. On the same year, she also got the first prize for Hong Kong International Music Competition for the regional area, and received the Weksler scholarship to Florida Gulf Coast University to study with Dr. Michael Baron. |
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Byrd Memorial Collegiate Piano Ensemble Competition:
1st Prize Winners: Arturo Fernandez and Jair Zacarias (students of Michael Baron) Arturo Fernandez was born and raised in Trujillo, Peru. He is a sophomore Piano Performance major at Florida Gulf Coast University where he studies with Dr. Michael Baron. He began his musical life at home at age 4 under the tutelage of his father and uncle. At age 6 he performed with the Trujillo Symphony Orchestra. He was a prize-winner in the “Music Patronage Competition” in Peru, and participated in several music festivals in his home country. Since coming to the United States Arturo was the overall winner of the Southwest Florida Symphony Young Artist Competition for which he will play a Liszt Piano Concerto next season with the Orchestra. He is the current winner of the MTNA Senior Competition for the state of Florida, the Gray Perry Piano Competition, and the BIG ARTS Competition. Jair Zacarias, a 19-year-old pianist was born in Trujillo, Peru. At age 13 he was accepted into the Pre-college Program of the National Conservatory of Music in Lima, Peru. There he studied with Professor Katia Palacios for five years and performed frequently in recitals and festivals in his home country. Jair received the Nisita Scholarship to attend Florida Gulf Coast University, where he currently studies with Dr. Michael Baron. He is the winner of several competitions, including the current winner for Florida of the MTNA Young Artist Competition. |
2021 FSMTA Community Service Awards Winners
Congratulations to the Winners of 2021 FSMTA Community Service Awards!
Many words of gratitude to this year’s panel of judges: Becky Barlar, Charles Turon, and Lydia Aluri Blakemore.
The Community Service Awards are given in recognition of student's leadership, achievements, and service to the community in the field of music and beyond during the last three years.
Congratulations and many thanks to all participants, as well as their teachers, mentors, parents and all others who help these dedicated young people make tremendous difference in their communities.
Regards,
Anastasiya Naplekova
VP for FSMTA Competitive Events
fsmtacompetitions@gmail.com
Congratulations to the Winners of 2021 FSMTA Community Service Awards!
- Winner of the Local and District Presidents Community Service Award for Ninth Graders: Luke Singleton (District III, Gainesville; Teacher: Stephen Fine)
- Winner of the FSMTA Community Service Award for Twelfth Graders: Emily Singleton (District III, Gainesville; Teacher: Stephen Fine)
Many words of gratitude to this year’s panel of judges: Becky Barlar, Charles Turon, and Lydia Aluri Blakemore.
The Community Service Awards are given in recognition of student's leadership, achievements, and service to the community in the field of music and beyond during the last three years.
Congratulations and many thanks to all participants, as well as their teachers, mentors, parents and all others who help these dedicated young people make tremendous difference in their communities.
Regards,
Anastasiya Naplekova
VP for FSMTA Competitive Events
fsmtacompetitions@gmail.com
Luke Singleton (b. 2006) is a violist, visual artist, and film maker in Gainesville, FL. Luke’s visual art and film work is often inspired by Peter McKinnon, Alen Palande, and Matti Haapoja, and has been described by others as being “very creative,” “full of mood,” and “full of depth.” He was recently recognized for his work by the Young Performing Artists Corporation for his collection featuring a marimba, cello, and viola that appear to be playing themselves.
Luke has been a member of the Alachua County Youth Orchestra since 2017, serving in the viola section. His musical studies include six years of piano, two years of cello, and eight years of violin and viola. During this time, he has been recognized by the Florida Federation of Music Clubs and Celebration Suzuki Strings.
As a dual enrollment student at Santa Fe College (SFC), majoring in engineering, Luke has continued his studies in the arts through the Digital Media & Technology program where he studied Digital Photography and served as the Vice President of the SFC Photography Club in 2019-2020.
As an active member of the International Music & Languages Academy, Luke has offered his time, services, and skills to fellow members for professional video/audio recordings. Fellow student members have richly benefited from his generosity as they prepare for competitions and college applications.
In his spare time, Luke is a dedicated design engineer and research team leader for UF’s Student Engineering Club, Generational Relief in Prosthetics (GRiP), where he has led teams in the design of prosthetic hands for playing musical instruments since 2018. His most notable work is the creation of a bow hand that assists with playing violin, viola, and cello instruments. He has been recognized for his continued dedication and efforts for bridging the gap between children with upper limb abnormalities and their desire to play music by the International Music & Languages Academy and was nominated for recognition by the Florida Music Educators Association in 2020.
Luke has been a member of the Alachua County Youth Orchestra since 2017, serving in the viola section. His musical studies include six years of piano, two years of cello, and eight years of violin and viola. During this time, he has been recognized by the Florida Federation of Music Clubs and Celebration Suzuki Strings.
As a dual enrollment student at Santa Fe College (SFC), majoring in engineering, Luke has continued his studies in the arts through the Digital Media & Technology program where he studied Digital Photography and served as the Vice President of the SFC Photography Club in 2019-2020.
As an active member of the International Music & Languages Academy, Luke has offered his time, services, and skills to fellow members for professional video/audio recordings. Fellow student members have richly benefited from his generosity as they prepare for competitions and college applications.
In his spare time, Luke is a dedicated design engineer and research team leader for UF’s Student Engineering Club, Generational Relief in Prosthetics (GRiP), where he has led teams in the design of prosthetic hands for playing musical instruments since 2018. His most notable work is the creation of a bow hand that assists with playing violin, viola, and cello instruments. He has been recognized for his continued dedication and efforts for bridging the gap between children with upper limb abnormalities and their desire to play music by the International Music & Languages Academy and was nominated for recognition by the Florida Music Educators Association in 2020.
Emily Singleton (b. 2002) is a Florida-based violist, composer, and writer. Emily’s work is often written through the lens of identity as the relation between oneself and one’s surroundings—weaving fragments of memories, observations, and experiences into a tapestry of resilience valuing relevance, integrity, and intersectionality. Her work has been described by others as being “lovely and intense,” “extremely colorful,” and “incredibly precise” while “thinking outside the box.”
Emily has been commissioned by Camerata String Ensemble, and has had her music presented at ShapeShifter Lab, University of Florida, Interlochen Center for the Arts, University of Georgia, Curtis Summerfest, Historic Thomas Center, SUNY at Fredonia, St. Augustine Music Festival, Young Women Composers Camp, and Petaluma Center for the Arts. She has collaborated with artists and ensembles such as flautist Mimi Stillman, Face the Music, mezzo-soprano Elisa Sutherland, Gainesville Civic Chorus, Alachua County Youth Orchestra, and World Youth Wind Symphony, as well as been featured by organizations and projects such as New Music Decanted, Para el Pueblo Project, and Fredonia New Music Reading Gathering.
Emily’s work has been recognized by the National Federation of Music Clubs, Florida State Music Teachers Association, Sacred Music Florida, Foundation for the Promotion of Music, Technology In Music Education Foundation, Music Teachers National Association, Music at the Anthology, and NextNotes. She has also received grants from the Ashley Willwerth Memorial Scholarship Foundation, BRASS Ring Karen B. Boling and Colin Kiely Memorial Scholarship, and New Music USA’s New Music Solidarity Fund. As a 2019 William and Martha Paine Orchestral Scholar and member of the Tomari Quartet she recorded Erwin Schulhoff’s 5 Pieces for String Quartet at IPR in summer 2019.
In her work advocating for sustainable, relevant, and inclusive practices in the arts, Emily serves as the Director of Communications for the National Arts Diversity Integration Association. As Director of Communications, Emily coordinates scheduling, manages databases and leads NADIA’s Executive Writing Team. Emily is also the Editorial Director of The Mosaic, NADIA’s flagship publication, in addition to overseeing program notes for Opus Illuminate—a concert series dedicated to forming a space for discovering, celebrating, and normalizing the programming of work by composers of marginalized identities.
Emily has been commissioned by Camerata String Ensemble, and has had her music presented at ShapeShifter Lab, University of Florida, Interlochen Center for the Arts, University of Georgia, Curtis Summerfest, Historic Thomas Center, SUNY at Fredonia, St. Augustine Music Festival, Young Women Composers Camp, and Petaluma Center for the Arts. She has collaborated with artists and ensembles such as flautist Mimi Stillman, Face the Music, mezzo-soprano Elisa Sutherland, Gainesville Civic Chorus, Alachua County Youth Orchestra, and World Youth Wind Symphony, as well as been featured by organizations and projects such as New Music Decanted, Para el Pueblo Project, and Fredonia New Music Reading Gathering.
Emily’s work has been recognized by the National Federation of Music Clubs, Florida State Music Teachers Association, Sacred Music Florida, Foundation for the Promotion of Music, Technology In Music Education Foundation, Music Teachers National Association, Music at the Anthology, and NextNotes. She has also received grants from the Ashley Willwerth Memorial Scholarship Foundation, BRASS Ring Karen B. Boling and Colin Kiely Memorial Scholarship, and New Music USA’s New Music Solidarity Fund. As a 2019 William and Martha Paine Orchestral Scholar and member of the Tomari Quartet she recorded Erwin Schulhoff’s 5 Pieces for String Quartet at IPR in summer 2019.
In her work advocating for sustainable, relevant, and inclusive practices in the arts, Emily serves as the Director of Communications for the National Arts Diversity Integration Association. As Director of Communications, Emily coordinates scheduling, manages databases and leads NADIA’s Executive Writing Team. Emily is also the Editorial Director of The Mosaic, NADIA’s flagship publication, in addition to overseeing program notes for Opus Illuminate—a concert series dedicated to forming a space for discovering, celebrating, and normalizing the programming of work by composers of marginalized identities.
MTNA 2020 Competitive Events Winners
Congratulations to the winners of Florida's 2020 MTNA state competitions! Thank you to all 71 participants in this year’s online competitions, and we are also grateful to our wonderful teachers, adjudicators, and parents. We wish all of the winners the very best in the Southern Division competitions and look forward to next year’s state competitions. Thank you all for contributing to the success of this year’s event!
Adam Booher
FSMTA VP for MTNA Competitive Events
Congratulations to the winners of Florida's 2020 MTNA state competitions! Thank you to all 71 participants in this year’s online competitions, and we are also grateful to our wonderful teachers, adjudicators, and parents. We wish all of the winners the very best in the Southern Division competitions and look forward to next year’s state competitions. Thank you all for contributing to the success of this year’s event!
Adam Booher
FSMTA VP for MTNA Competitive Events
Young Artist Brass:
Winner: Eric Rohwedder
Orlando, FL
Eric Rohwedder is a currently a senior at the University of Central Florida studying both Music Education and Music Performance. Eric has studied trumpet with Dr. Jesse Cook, and has participated in several ensembles at UCF, including the UCF Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and the Flying Horse Big Band. He was recently featured in an original composition named “Something Motion” written for unaccompanied trumpet and recently studied conducting at a study abroad program held in Thailand.
Winner: Eric Rohwedder
Orlando, FL
Eric Rohwedder is a currently a senior at the University of Central Florida studying both Music Education and Music Performance. Eric has studied trumpet with Dr. Jesse Cook, and has participated in several ensembles at UCF, including the UCF Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and the Flying Horse Big Band. He was recently featured in an original composition named “Something Motion” written for unaccompanied trumpet and recently studied conducting at a study abroad program held in Thailand.
Young Artist Piano:
Winner: Jair Zacarias
Fort Myers, FL
Jair Zacarias, an 19-year-old pianist was born in Trujillo, Peru. At age 13 he was accepted into the Pre-college Program of the National Conservatory of Music in Lima, Peru. There he studied with Professor Katia Palacios for five years and performed frequently in recitals and festivals in his home country. Jair received a full scholarship to attend Florida Gulf Coast University, where he currently studies with Dr. Michael Baron. He is the winner of several competitions.
Winner: Jair Zacarias
Fort Myers, FL
Jair Zacarias, an 19-year-old pianist was born in Trujillo, Peru. At age 13 he was accepted into the Pre-college Program of the National Conservatory of Music in Lima, Peru. There he studied with Professor Katia Palacios for five years and performed frequently in recitals and festivals in his home country. Jair received a full scholarship to attend Florida Gulf Coast University, where he currently studies with Dr. Michael Baron. He is the winner of several competitions.
Young Artist Strings:
Winner: Cassia Drake
Naples, FL
Cassia Drake, a native of Southwest Florida, began studying the violin at age 4, switching to viola at age 12 under the guidance of John T. Posadas. She gave her solo debut with the Artis-Naples Orchestra at age 14, and has since appeared with the Sarasota Music Festival Orchestra, SouthWest Florida Symphony, and the Colburn Orchestra. A passionate chamber musician, Ms. Drake has performed with the Colburn Chamber Music Society and the Mainly Mozart concert series, collaborating with artists such as Shmuel Ashkenasi, Ettore Causa, Clive Greensmith, and Elisso Virsaladze. As a fourth-year Colburn Teaching Fellow, she maintains an active teaching studio, giving lessons to students in the Jumpstart Young Musicians Program. Ms. Drake is a Master of Music candidate at the Colburn Conservatory of Music, where she studies with Paul Coletti.
Winner: Cassia Drake
Naples, FL
Cassia Drake, a native of Southwest Florida, began studying the violin at age 4, switching to viola at age 12 under the guidance of John T. Posadas. She gave her solo debut with the Artis-Naples Orchestra at age 14, and has since appeared with the Sarasota Music Festival Orchestra, SouthWest Florida Symphony, and the Colburn Orchestra. A passionate chamber musician, Ms. Drake has performed with the Colburn Chamber Music Society and the Mainly Mozart concert series, collaborating with artists such as Shmuel Ashkenasi, Ettore Causa, Clive Greensmith, and Elisso Virsaladze. As a fourth-year Colburn Teaching Fellow, she maintains an active teaching studio, giving lessons to students in the Jumpstart Young Musicians Program. Ms. Drake is a Master of Music candidate at the Colburn Conservatory of Music, where she studies with Paul Coletti.
Young Artist Voice:
Representative: Paula Alva Garcia
Fort Myers, FL
Paula Alva Garcia (soprano) started her music education in Trujillo, Peru under the guidance of Martha Perez. In her hometown, she participated in numerous recitals and choir concerts and also participated in masterclasses with professors from different countries. In 2017 she came to the United States to study Music Performance - Voice with Dr. Jeanie Darnell at FGCU. In 2018 she won her NATS competition category. She played the role of Berta in "The Barber of Seville" in Trujillo in 2018 and has also been a soloist with the symphonic orchestra of the same city many times. Currently she is on her senior year, preparing for her senior recital and is a member of Opera Naples.
Representative: Paula Alva Garcia
Fort Myers, FL
Paula Alva Garcia (soprano) started her music education in Trujillo, Peru under the guidance of Martha Perez. In her hometown, she participated in numerous recitals and choir concerts and also participated in masterclasses with professors from different countries. In 2017 she came to the United States to study Music Performance - Voice with Dr. Jeanie Darnell at FGCU. In 2018 she won her NATS competition category. She played the role of Berta in "The Barber of Seville" in Trujillo in 2018 and has also been a soloist with the symphonic orchestra of the same city many times. Currently she is on her senior year, preparing for her senior recital and is a member of Opera Naples.
Young Artist Woodwinds:
Winner: Joshua Hellberg
Fort Meyers, FL
Joshua Hellberg, a Sophomore studying Music Education at Florida Gulf Coast University. Mr. Hellberg has been performing Clarinet for 11 years now. He continues to impress judges around the nation through multiple scholarship auditions. Joshua currently serves as principal chair within the Wind Orchestra at FGCU. He continues to receive extended praise from faculty and staff within the Bower School of Music. Mr. Hellberg attended Braden River High School. And by doing so, he expanded his path of leadership by becoming Drum Major during his senior year. Along with excelling around the State of Florida, Joshua wishes to extend his horizons by attending Graduate School in the near future. Overall, Mr. Hellberg succeeds not only in his musical career, but in his life as well.
Winner: Joshua Hellberg
Fort Meyers, FL
Joshua Hellberg, a Sophomore studying Music Education at Florida Gulf Coast University. Mr. Hellberg has been performing Clarinet for 11 years now. He continues to impress judges around the nation through multiple scholarship auditions. Joshua currently serves as principal chair within the Wind Orchestra at FGCU. He continues to receive extended praise from faculty and staff within the Bower School of Music. Mr. Hellberg attended Braden River High School. And by doing so, he expanded his path of leadership by becoming Drum Major during his senior year. Along with excelling around the State of Florida, Joshua wishes to extend his horizons by attending Graduate School in the near future. Overall, Mr. Hellberg succeeds not only in his musical career, but in his life as well.
Senior Composition:
Winner: Frazar P. Henry
Bonita Springs, FL
Frazar P. Henry is the critically acclaimed and award winning, home-schooled ninth grade composer/pianist residing in Bonita Springs, FL. who—days before our worlds came to a screeching halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic—scored a musical hat trick in just one weekend, meriting the 1st Prize in three different competitions: the Miami Music Teachers Foundation Composition Contest, the Frost International Young Artists Piano Concerto Competition, and the Frost International Young Artists Solo Piano Competition!
In addition to winning the ASCAP Foundation 2018 Morton Gould Young Composer Award for his orchestral overture In Exordium—Henry’s second ASCAP/Morton Gould honor in three years—he won 1st Prize for Piano in the 2019 Music Foundation of Greater Naples Scholarship Competition and has, for the last four years, been named State Winner (Florida) in the MTNA Composition Competition. This year, Henry was also named Division Winner (Southern) in the MTNA Composition Competition therefore earning the distinct honor of representing Florida and the U.S. Southern Division in the MTNA National Composition Finals. Henry has also garnered notable awards and recognition from the Tribeca New Music 2020 National Young Composer Competition, the 2020 HeartOut Piano Competition, the 2019 Tampa Bay Symphony 4th annual Call for Scores Composition Competition, and the 2019 Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York’s Emerging Composers Competition, as well as multiple First Place finishes in the FGCU/Steinway Piano Society Young Artist Piano Competition.
Winner: Frazar P. Henry
Bonita Springs, FL
Frazar P. Henry is the critically acclaimed and award winning, home-schooled ninth grade composer/pianist residing in Bonita Springs, FL. who—days before our worlds came to a screeching halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic—scored a musical hat trick in just one weekend, meriting the 1st Prize in three different competitions: the Miami Music Teachers Foundation Composition Contest, the Frost International Young Artists Piano Concerto Competition, and the Frost International Young Artists Solo Piano Competition!
In addition to winning the ASCAP Foundation 2018 Morton Gould Young Composer Award for his orchestral overture In Exordium—Henry’s second ASCAP/Morton Gould honor in three years—he won 1st Prize for Piano in the 2019 Music Foundation of Greater Naples Scholarship Competition and has, for the last four years, been named State Winner (Florida) in the MTNA Composition Competition. This year, Henry was also named Division Winner (Southern) in the MTNA Composition Competition therefore earning the distinct honor of representing Florida and the U.S. Southern Division in the MTNA National Composition Finals. Henry has also garnered notable awards and recognition from the Tribeca New Music 2020 National Young Composer Competition, the 2020 HeartOut Piano Competition, the 2019 Tampa Bay Symphony 4th annual Call for Scores Composition Competition, and the 2019 Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York’s Emerging Composers Competition, as well as multiple First Place finishes in the FGCU/Steinway Piano Society Young Artist Piano Competition.
Senior Piano and Senior Chopin Prize:
Winner: Madison Yan
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Madison Yan currently studies with Dr. Irena Kofman and Professor Kevin Kenner under the Advanced Piano Preparatory program at the Frost School of Music. As a second-year National Chopin Scholarship Recipient, she has attained top prizes in several international competitions, including first prize in the William Knabe International Piano Competition and third prize at the International Keyboard Odyssiad®. She received consecutive top prizes in the highest divisions of Florida Federation of Music Clubs, the Florida State Music Teachers Association, and the Music Teacher’s National Association. Her orchestra debut was in 2017 with the Greater Miami Youth Symphony.
Winner: Madison Yan
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Madison Yan currently studies with Dr. Irena Kofman and Professor Kevin Kenner under the Advanced Piano Preparatory program at the Frost School of Music. As a second-year National Chopin Scholarship Recipient, she has attained top prizes in several international competitions, including first prize in the William Knabe International Piano Competition and third prize at the International Keyboard Odyssiad®. She received consecutive top prizes in the highest divisions of Florida Federation of Music Clubs, the Florida State Music Teachers Association, and the Music Teacher’s National Association. Her orchestra debut was in 2017 with the Greater Miami Youth Symphony.
Senior Strings:
Winner: Sophia Molina
Coral Gables, FL
Sophia Molina is a violinist from Miami, Florida who started her musical journey at the age of 4. Throughout the past years, she has garnered many prizes and recognitions, and has gotten the opportunity to perform as a soloist with several orchestras.
In addition to her solo and orchestra performances, she is also a founding member of the Superpower of M.E. (music Education), a local non-profit that provides instruments and music scholarships for local students.
Winner: Sophia Molina
Coral Gables, FL
Sophia Molina is a violinist from Miami, Florida who started her musical journey at the age of 4. Throughout the past years, she has garnered many prizes and recognitions, and has gotten the opportunity to perform as a soloist with several orchestras.
In addition to her solo and orchestra performances, she is also a founding member of the Superpower of M.E. (music Education), a local non-profit that provides instruments and music scholarships for local students.
Senior Voice:
Winner: Nicole DiPasquale
Temple Terrace, FL
Nicole DiPasquale studies voice as a soprano with Dr. Jonathan Bassett performing in recitals and as guest soloist with Florida College and Tampa City Ballet. Nicole continues to grow as an artist entering competitions at the local, regional, national, and international levels. She has participated in university masterclasses, San Francisco Conservatory’s Gilbert and Sullivan Workshop, AAMS Music Institute of Tampere, Finland, and was a guest student of Rhoslyn Jones for the Summer of 2020.
Winner: Nicole DiPasquale
Temple Terrace, FL
Nicole DiPasquale studies voice as a soprano with Dr. Jonathan Bassett performing in recitals and as guest soloist with Florida College and Tampa City Ballet. Nicole continues to grow as an artist entering competitions at the local, regional, national, and international levels. She has participated in university masterclasses, San Francisco Conservatory’s Gilbert and Sullivan Workshop, AAMS Music Institute of Tampere, Finland, and was a guest student of Rhoslyn Jones for the Summer of 2020.
Senior Woodwinds:
Representative: Aidan Bai
Tampa, FL
Aidan Bai, a saxophonist and pianist, has been a part of many honor ensembles, including the Florida All-State Band, All-State Orchestra, and Bay Area Youth Winds. He was the Junior Woodwind Representative for Florida in last year’s MTNA Competition. Alongside playing music, Aidan currently serves as librarian for his school’s band and Tri-M Honor Society and is a wind band literature enthusiast.
Representative: Aidan Bai
Tampa, FL
Aidan Bai, a saxophonist and pianist, has been a part of many honor ensembles, including the Florida All-State Band, All-State Orchestra, and Bay Area Youth Winds. He was the Junior Woodwind Representative for Florida in last year’s MTNA Competition. Alongside playing music, Aidan currently serves as librarian for his school’s band and Tri-M Honor Society and is a wind band literature enthusiast.
Junior Composition:
Winner: Elizabeth Deinhardt
Orlando, FL
Elizabeth “Summer” Deinhardt goes by her middle name. She is 13 years old and in 8th grade at Howard Middle School in Orlando. Summer has been playing piano since she was 7 years old and has been in Chorus since 6th grade. She has a great passion for music and has received many awards as a pianist and singer. While this is her first attempt at the composition competition, Summer has been writing lyrics since she was 11 years old. With the help of her incredible teacher, Mrs. Jones, she has been able to create the music for her lyrics.
Winner: Elizabeth Deinhardt
Orlando, FL
Elizabeth “Summer” Deinhardt goes by her middle name. She is 13 years old and in 8th grade at Howard Middle School in Orlando. Summer has been playing piano since she was 7 years old and has been in Chorus since 6th grade. She has a great passion for music and has received many awards as a pianist and singer. While this is her first attempt at the composition competition, Summer has been writing lyrics since she was 11 years old. With the help of her incredible teacher, Mrs. Jones, she has been able to create the music for her lyrics.
Junior Piano and Junior Chopin Prize:
Winner: Matthew Phan
Jacksonville, FL
Valedictorian of his eighth grade class, Matthew Phan is a First Honors student at Bishop Kenny High School and an accomplished young pianist. Matthew’s formal instruction commenced at the age of six with Mary Lou Krosnick, and have continued to the present day. He has won first place at numerous competitions, such as the Florida State Music Teachers Association concerto competition, events held by the Florida Federation of Music Clubs, the Steinway Junior Piano Competition, and the Friday Musicale Outstanding Young Pianists Competition. Perhaps Matthew’s greatest honor was his two invitations to perform at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In addition, Matthew is the Principal Pianist of the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and plays extensively for his school, church, and senior centers.
Winner: Matthew Phan
Jacksonville, FL
Valedictorian of his eighth grade class, Matthew Phan is a First Honors student at Bishop Kenny High School and an accomplished young pianist. Matthew’s formal instruction commenced at the age of six with Mary Lou Krosnick, and have continued to the present day. He has won first place at numerous competitions, such as the Florida State Music Teachers Association concerto competition, events held by the Florida Federation of Music Clubs, the Steinway Junior Piano Competition, and the Friday Musicale Outstanding Young Pianists Competition. Perhaps Matthew’s greatest honor was his two invitations to perform at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In addition, Matthew is the Principal Pianist of the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and plays extensively for his school, church, and senior centers.
Junior Strings:
Winner: Leila Warren
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Leila Warren 11, made her debut soloing with the UNF Orchestra in October 2019. She was chosen as the youngest ever finalist of the Hilton Head Youth Concerto Competition in February 2020. A student of Sonja Foster of Amelia Island, FL, Leila has performed solo and chamber concerts all over north Florida and has participated in Master Classes with Kurt Sassmanshaus, Stefan Jackiw, the Dover Quartet, the Vega Quartet and Joe Deninzon for the 2020 ASTA National Conference. She loves to dance ballet and Flamenco, and enjoys acting and reading.
Winner: Leila Warren
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Leila Warren 11, made her debut soloing with the UNF Orchestra in October 2019. She was chosen as the youngest ever finalist of the Hilton Head Youth Concerto Competition in February 2020. A student of Sonja Foster of Amelia Island, FL, Leila has performed solo and chamber concerts all over north Florida and has participated in Master Classes with Kurt Sassmanshaus, Stefan Jackiw, the Dover Quartet, the Vega Quartet and Joe Deninzon for the 2020 ASTA National Conference. She loves to dance ballet and Flamenco, and enjoys acting and reading.