Winners
Winners of the 2026 FSMTA Competitive Events (Photos & bios found below the listing of winners)
STRING CONCERTO
Junior
Intermediate
Senior
PIANO CONCERTO
Junior
Intermediate
Senior
PRE-COLLEGE CHAMBER MUSIC COMPETITION
BYRD MEMORIAL PIANO ENSEMBLE COMPETITION (PRE-COLLEGE)
1st Prize: Leif Jerde and Gabriel Xu, Dr. Michael Baron and Anne McLean, District 7, Coaches
SENIOR STRING COMPETITION
MARC J. & KATHRYN S. HEBDA SENIOR PIANO SOLO COMPETITION
Gray Perry Young Collegiate Piano Competition
Byrd Memorial Piano Ensemble Competition (College Division)
Junior
- 1st Prize: Yumi Mimura, student of Huifang Chen, District 6
- 2nd Prize: Petar Dell’Olio, student of Christina Grant
- Honorable Mention: Chenxi Yu, student of Yan J.Lu, District 9
Intermediate
- 1st Prize: Vihaan Sengupta, student of Akiko Rivera, District 6
- 2nd Prize (tied): Shanna Ko, student of Jueun Kim Warf, District 3
- 2nd Prize (tied): Timothy Zhu, student of Chih-Jung Hsu, District 5
- Honorable Mention: Alyssa Liu, student of Reiko Niiya, District 7
- Honorable Mention: Tiffany Lyu, student of Ingang Han
- Honorable Mention: Akzhibek Mustafina, student of Yefim Romanov
Senior
- 1st Prize: Leila Warren, student of Dr. Shannon Thomas, District 2
- 2nd Prize (tied): Regine Lee, student of Chih-Jung Hsu, DIstrict 5
- 2nd Prize (tied): Clara Thomas, student of Huifang Chen, District 6
- Honorable Mention: Jianlin Chen, student of Yan Jiang Lu, District 9
PIANO CONCERTO
Junior
- 1st Prize: Zijie Song, student of Irena Kofman, District 6
- 2nd Prize: Jin Huang, student of Hui Xu, District 9
- Honorable Mention: Shiloh Tjong, student of Zalina Gurevich, District 5
- Honorable Mention: ZhenYuan Xue, student of Hee Jung Kang, District 3
Intermediate
- 1st Prize: William Wang, student of Saetbyeol Kim, District 5
- 2nd Prize: Analaya Muneepeerakul, student of Evan Mitchell, District 3
- Honorable Mention: Raymond Leonardi, student of student of Olga Glick, District 9
- Honorable Mention: Gabriel Xu, student of Dr. Michael Baron, District 7
- Honorable Mention: Steven Xue, student of Ruo Huang-Balko, District 6
Senior
- 1st Prize: Jianlin Chen, student of Olga Glick, District 9
- 2nd Prize (tied): Joanne Choi, student of Ruo Huang-Balko, District 6
- 2nd Prize (tied): Yaqi Song, student of Evan Mitchell, District 3
PRE-COLLEGE CHAMBER MUSIC COMPETITION
- 1st Prize: SoleMia Ensemble (Zoe Chen, Marcus Tatar, Byron Liu), Huifang Chen, District 6, Coach
BYRD MEMORIAL PIANO ENSEMBLE COMPETITION (PRE-COLLEGE)
1st Prize: Leif Jerde and Gabriel Xu, Dr. Michael Baron and Anne McLean, District 7, Coaches
SENIOR STRING COMPETITION
- 1st Prize: Leila Warren, student of Shannon Thomas, District 2
- 2nd Prize: Matthew Jean Baptiste, student of Katie Smirnova
MARC J. & KATHRYN S. HEBDA SENIOR PIANO SOLO COMPETITION
- 1st Prize: Derrick Wu, student of Dr. Luca Cubisino & Dr. Irena Kofman, District 6
- 2nd Prize (tied): Jorge Daniel Penaherrera, student of Kamila Shahtakhtinski, District 4
- 2nd Prize (tied): Bryan Zheng, student of Evan Mitchell, District 3
- Honorable Mention: Aarna Bar, student of Dr. ShunFu Chang, District 9
- Honorable Mention: Maggie May, student of Kamila Shahtakhtinski, District 4
Gray Perry Young Collegiate Piano Competition
- 1st prize: Long Do (student of Dr. Michael Baron)
- 2nd prize: Lam Nguyen (student of Dr. Michael Baron)
- Honorable Mention: Owen Chen (student of Dr. Roberta Rust)
- Honorable Mention: Ziling Wang (student of Dr. Roberta Rust)
Byrd Memorial Piano Ensemble Competition (College Division)
- 1st prize: Tuan Vu and Le Phuong Pham (students of Dr. Michael Baron)
Photos & Bios of FSMTA Competitive Events Winners
Junior String Concerto Winner - Yumi Mimura
Yumi is 9 years old, in 4th grade. She is studying under the guidance of Ms. Huifang Chen. Her violin journey began at the age of 4 with Dr. Hattie Ahn. She also participates in the first violin of the Florida Youth Orchestra's symphony orchestra.
In 2025, Yumi was honored with the Irene Muir Memorial Award at the Florida Federation Music Club Junior Convention.
She is very passionate about playing the violin!
Yumi is 9 years old, in 4th grade. She is studying under the guidance of Ms. Huifang Chen. Her violin journey began at the age of 4 with Dr. Hattie Ahn. She also participates in the first violin of the Florida Youth Orchestra's symphony orchestra.
In 2025, Yumi was honored with the Irene Muir Memorial Award at the Florida Federation Music Club Junior Convention.
She is very passionate about playing the violin!
Intermediate String Concerto Winner - Vihaan Sengupta
Vihaan Sengupta is a 13-year-old violinist from Coral Springs. He is a 7th grade student at North Broward Preparatory School in Coconut Creek, FL.
Vihaan began his violin studies at the age of five with Mr. Richard Coff and is currently studying under the tutelage of Ms. Akiko Rivera and Mr. Robert Davidovici.
He has been participating in Florida Federation of Music Clubs (FFMC) Junior Convention since 2023 and has won several 1st place awards and/or honorable mentions in solo, concerto, ensemble, and chamber music categories.
Vihaan has also been studying the viola under Ms. Rivera since 2024. In the 2025 FFMC Junior Convention, he won 1st place awards in Viola Solo, Viola Concerto and received the "FFMC Junior Award for Outstanding Violist."
Between the two instruments, he won a total of 7 categories in FFMC Junior Convention 2025.
As a chamber musician, Vihaan is the concert master at the youth orchestra group Camerata di Magdalena: A student volunteer organization which raises money for feeding the homeless of South Florida through the Holy Grill of St. Nicholas. He has been a member of the ensemble for the last four seasons.
He was the recipient of the Andrea service award in 2023 from the Florida Youth Orchestra (FYO) in recognition of his character, contributions and commitment to excellence.
Vihaan received a student scholarship award at Mizner Society of Performing Arts (MSPA) in 2024. He also won 1st place in the student competition held by MSPA for Summer Intensive 2024.
Vihaan Sengupta is a 13-year-old violinist from Coral Springs. He is a 7th grade student at North Broward Preparatory School in Coconut Creek, FL.
Vihaan began his violin studies at the age of five with Mr. Richard Coff and is currently studying under the tutelage of Ms. Akiko Rivera and Mr. Robert Davidovici.
He has been participating in Florida Federation of Music Clubs (FFMC) Junior Convention since 2023 and has won several 1st place awards and/or honorable mentions in solo, concerto, ensemble, and chamber music categories.
Vihaan has also been studying the viola under Ms. Rivera since 2024. In the 2025 FFMC Junior Convention, he won 1st place awards in Viola Solo, Viola Concerto and received the "FFMC Junior Award for Outstanding Violist."
Between the two instruments, he won a total of 7 categories in FFMC Junior Convention 2025.
As a chamber musician, Vihaan is the concert master at the youth orchestra group Camerata di Magdalena: A student volunteer organization which raises money for feeding the homeless of South Florida through the Holy Grill of St. Nicholas. He has been a member of the ensemble for the last four seasons.
He was the recipient of the Andrea service award in 2023 from the Florida Youth Orchestra (FYO) in recognition of his character, contributions and commitment to excellence.
Vihaan received a student scholarship award at Mizner Society of Performing Arts (MSPA) in 2024. He also won 1st place in the student competition held by MSPA for Summer Intensive 2024.
Senior String Concerto Winner - Lelia Warren
Leila Warren, Junior at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida studies violin with Dr. Shannon Thomas (FSU). This summer, Leila will be participating in the National Youth Orchestras of America for the fourth consecutive year having performing as concertmaster in 2025, under the baton of Gianandrea Noseda during their tour of Asia. She has also been invited to participate in Chamber Music Northwest’s Young Artist Institute directed by Soovin Kim. Leila has participated in FMEA All-State Orchestra and selected as Concertmaster for the 2026 season. Locally, she is the current Concertmaster of the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra where she has been a member since age five.
Leila is honored to be named a 2026 YoungArts award winner. Recent (2024-26) solo competition wins include First Place prizes at MTNA-Southern Division Senior Strings, Bravura Philharmonic International, LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, John Leatherwood Senior Division, Lois Pickard, David Hubbell, Delta Symphony Orchestra, Ruth Kern, St. Augustine Orchestra, and Jacksonville Symphony. As a result of these wins, Leila has soloed with several orchestras. Leila has participated in Masterclasses with Danielle Belen, Stefan Jackiw, Jessica Meyer, Kurt Sassmannshaus, Andrea Segar and Hagai Shaham.
Outside of music, Leila participates in silent events including those at the Florida School for the Deaf. Having passed the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview assessment (SLPI) in 2025, Leila was accepted into a fully ASL immersive summer program at Gallaudet University. Leila is honored to play on a 2022 Douglas Cox violin generously on loan from the Virtu Foundation.
Leila Warren, Junior at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida studies violin with Dr. Shannon Thomas (FSU). This summer, Leila will be participating in the National Youth Orchestras of America for the fourth consecutive year having performing as concertmaster in 2025, under the baton of Gianandrea Noseda during their tour of Asia. She has also been invited to participate in Chamber Music Northwest’s Young Artist Institute directed by Soovin Kim. Leila has participated in FMEA All-State Orchestra and selected as Concertmaster for the 2026 season. Locally, she is the current Concertmaster of the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra where she has been a member since age five.
Leila is honored to be named a 2026 YoungArts award winner. Recent (2024-26) solo competition wins include First Place prizes at MTNA-Southern Division Senior Strings, Bravura Philharmonic International, LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, John Leatherwood Senior Division, Lois Pickard, David Hubbell, Delta Symphony Orchestra, Ruth Kern, St. Augustine Orchestra, and Jacksonville Symphony. As a result of these wins, Leila has soloed with several orchestras. Leila has participated in Masterclasses with Danielle Belen, Stefan Jackiw, Jessica Meyer, Kurt Sassmannshaus, Andrea Segar and Hagai Shaham.
Outside of music, Leila participates in silent events including those at the Florida School for the Deaf. Having passed the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview assessment (SLPI) in 2025, Leila was accepted into a fully ASL immersive summer program at Gallaudet University. Leila is honored to play on a 2022 Douglas Cox violin generously on loan from the Virtu Foundation.
Junior Piano Concerto Winner - Zijie Song
Born in China in 2013, Zijie Song is a dedicated young musician who studies piano with Dr. Irena Kofman and violin with Huifang Chen. Zijie made his Carnegie Weill Recital Hall debut at age five after winning a competition. Since then, he has received numerous awards, including Honorable Mention at the recent Florida MTNA Piano Competition, 1st Place at the Peter Perret Concerto Competition, Honorable Mention at the Carmel Klavier International Competition, 1st Prize at the Moxley Competition, and multiple awards at the UNCSA Piano Weekend, including 1st Prize in the Chopin category. In 2024, at age ten, he held his own solo piano concert.
In addition to piano, Zijie is an accomplished violinist. He is currently a member of the Greater Miami Youth Symphony and previously served as Concertmaster of the Winston-Salem Youth Philharmonic and the All-County School Symphony.
Beyond music, Zijie is an active member of multiple school clubs, representing his school in debate club, math club, jazz band, and Battle of the Books, earning numerous awards alongside his teammates. Zijie recently earned a gold medal in the 2025 ACSL Junior Competition. He also achieved 1st place in the West Palm Beach PF Debate and 4th place in the State Science Fair.
Zijie is also actively involved in community service. As a youth leader, he contributed over 200 hours last year at the Youth Development Resource Center. In 2026, he continued volunteering, performing piano for senior communities, accumulating over 20 hours of NJHS volunteer service in just two months.
Born in China in 2013, Zijie Song is a dedicated young musician who studies piano with Dr. Irena Kofman and violin with Huifang Chen. Zijie made his Carnegie Weill Recital Hall debut at age five after winning a competition. Since then, he has received numerous awards, including Honorable Mention at the recent Florida MTNA Piano Competition, 1st Place at the Peter Perret Concerto Competition, Honorable Mention at the Carmel Klavier International Competition, 1st Prize at the Moxley Competition, and multiple awards at the UNCSA Piano Weekend, including 1st Prize in the Chopin category. In 2024, at age ten, he held his own solo piano concert.
In addition to piano, Zijie is an accomplished violinist. He is currently a member of the Greater Miami Youth Symphony and previously served as Concertmaster of the Winston-Salem Youth Philharmonic and the All-County School Symphony.
Beyond music, Zijie is an active member of multiple school clubs, representing his school in debate club, math club, jazz band, and Battle of the Books, earning numerous awards alongside his teammates. Zijie recently earned a gold medal in the 2025 ACSL Junior Competition. He also achieved 1st place in the West Palm Beach PF Debate and 4th place in the State Science Fair.
Zijie is also actively involved in community service. As a youth leader, he contributed over 200 hours last year at the Youth Development Resource Center. In 2026, he continued volunteering, performing piano for senior communities, accumulating over 20 hours of NJHS volunteer service in just two months.
Intermediate Piano Concerto Winner - William Wang
William Yucheng Wang is 13 years old and currently in 7h grade at Lawton Chiles Middle School. He is the first piano accompanist for the chorus in the middle school's history. Over the years, he has played in recitals and participated in music competitions. He won 1st place in CFMTA's Sonatina/Sonata Festival twice in 2022 and 2023 and 1st place in OMC’s piano competition in 2025. He received the state-level 1st place in Difficult Division of FFMC in 2024. He has received awards in 17th Century Charleston International Music Competition and Bay Area Piano Competition. Most recently, he was invited to play at Carnegie Hall in the Piano Star international competition. William also enjoys music composition under the guidance of UCF professor Dr. Stella Sung. He won 1st place in music composition by Florida PTA's Reflection Art Competition in 2021 and 2025, 1st place by MTNA and OMC in 2022 and 2023, and 2nd place in state-level junior composer by FFMC. In his spare time, William trains in the pool with Blue Dolfins Swimming Club in Oviedo. He is a Florida age group swimming All-Star member.
William Yucheng Wang is 13 years old and currently in 7h grade at Lawton Chiles Middle School. He is the first piano accompanist for the chorus in the middle school's history. Over the years, he has played in recitals and participated in music competitions. He won 1st place in CFMTA's Sonatina/Sonata Festival twice in 2022 and 2023 and 1st place in OMC’s piano competition in 2025. He received the state-level 1st place in Difficult Division of FFMC in 2024. He has received awards in 17th Century Charleston International Music Competition and Bay Area Piano Competition. Most recently, he was invited to play at Carnegie Hall in the Piano Star international competition. William also enjoys music composition under the guidance of UCF professor Dr. Stella Sung. He won 1st place in music composition by Florida PTA's Reflection Art Competition in 2021 and 2025, 1st place by MTNA and OMC in 2022 and 2023, and 2nd place in state-level junior composer by FFMC. In his spare time, William trains in the pool with Blue Dolfins Swimming Club in Oviedo. He is a Florida age group swimming All-Star member.
Senior Piano Concerto Winner - Jianlin Chen
Jianlin is currently 17 years old and a junior at Berkeley Preparatory School. He has been a pianist and violinist for around 10 years each and hopes to continue his love for music throughout life.
Jianlin is currently 17 years old and a junior at Berkeley Preparatory School. He has been a pianist and violinist for around 10 years each and hopes to continue his love for music throughout life.
Pre-College Chamber Music Competition Winner - SoleMia Ensemble, Zoe Chen, Marcus Tatar, Bryon Liu
Zoe Chen
Zoe, an 11-year-old violinist with the Greater Miami Youth Symphony, began her musical journey at age 4.5 with Mr. Richard Coff and is currently studying under the instruction of Ms. Huifang Chen. She is the GMYS Concerto Competition Overture Winner and a multi award recipient at FSMTA and FFMC state competitions. She is devoted to personal and professional excellence and to community outreach, sharing music with senior living communities and underprivileged groups to inspire and build meaningful connections across different walks of life.
Byron Liu
Byron is a 13-year-old pianist from Florida who began studying piano seven years ago. He is especially devoted to piano chamber music, with a focus on the piano trio repertoire. At the Florida Federation of Music Clubs (FFMC) Junior Convention, he earned the highest award in the Piano Trio category and received multiple honors in piano solo performance. He is recognized for his musical maturity and expressive artistry.
Marcus Tatar
Marcus is a 17-year-old cellist who began studying at age six in Seattle and continued his musical development in Miami, Florida. Studying under the tutelage of Jason Calloway and Ross Harbaugh, he has also participated in masterclasses with Richard Aaron, Darrett Adkins and Tommy Mesa. A prizewinner at the 2026 Miami Cello Institute Competition. Marcus has earned selection to Florida All-State and serves in a leadership role with the Miami Youth Orchestra.
Zoe Chen
Zoe, an 11-year-old violinist with the Greater Miami Youth Symphony, began her musical journey at age 4.5 with Mr. Richard Coff and is currently studying under the instruction of Ms. Huifang Chen. She is the GMYS Concerto Competition Overture Winner and a multi award recipient at FSMTA and FFMC state competitions. She is devoted to personal and professional excellence and to community outreach, sharing music with senior living communities and underprivileged groups to inspire and build meaningful connections across different walks of life.
Byron Liu
Byron is a 13-year-old pianist from Florida who began studying piano seven years ago. He is especially devoted to piano chamber music, with a focus on the piano trio repertoire. At the Florida Federation of Music Clubs (FFMC) Junior Convention, he earned the highest award in the Piano Trio category and received multiple honors in piano solo performance. He is recognized for his musical maturity and expressive artistry.
Marcus Tatar
Marcus is a 17-year-old cellist who began studying at age six in Seattle and continued his musical development in Miami, Florida. Studying under the tutelage of Jason Calloway and Ross Harbaugh, he has also participated in masterclasses with Richard Aaron, Darrett Adkins and Tommy Mesa. A prizewinner at the 2026 Miami Cello Institute Competition. Marcus has earned selection to Florida All-State and serves in a leadership role with the Miami Youth Orchestra.
Byrd Memorial Piano Ensemble Competition (Pre-College) Winner - Leif Jerde and Gabriel Xu
Leif Jerde is a 9th-grader at Florida Southwestern Collegiate High School and a dedicated young pianist currently studying under the guidance of Dr. Anne McLean. A finalist for the prestigious Steinway Piano Society's Young Artist Piano Competition and the Helen Neidung Scholarship competition, Leif has demonstrated exceptional talent and artistry in the piano world. He has earned first-place honors in the Tampa Young Artist Competition and the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools competition. Additionally, Leif is a district winner for the FSMTA Junior Concerto event, showcasing his skill in both solo and concerto performances.
Beyond music, Leif enjoys hiking, visiting Florida's springs, paddleboarding, and spending time with his beloved dog, Noodle. With a strong passion for pursuing a career in music, Leif continues to develop his musical abilities and is excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.
Leif Jerde is a 9th-grader at Florida Southwestern Collegiate High School and a dedicated young pianist currently studying under the guidance of Dr. Anne McLean. A finalist for the prestigious Steinway Piano Society's Young Artist Piano Competition and the Helen Neidung Scholarship competition, Leif has demonstrated exceptional talent and artistry in the piano world. He has earned first-place honors in the Tampa Young Artist Competition and the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools competition. Additionally, Leif is a district winner for the FSMTA Junior Concerto event, showcasing his skill in both solo and concerto performances.
Beyond music, Leif enjoys hiking, visiting Florida's springs, paddleboarding, and spending time with his beloved dog, Noodle. With a strong passion for pursuing a career in music, Leif continues to develop his musical abilities and is excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.
Gabriel Xu started to learn piano at age of 6 and has since developed a deep love for classical repertoire. He has been studying piano with Dr. Baron since 2021. Last year he won First Place in the FGCU/Steinway Young Artist Piano Competition in the Senior Division and Overall Winner. Gabriel is currently an eighth grade student at Evangelical Christian School. Math is his favorite subject. He loves playing chess in his leisure time. He also loves playing baseball.
Byrd Memorial Piano Ensemble Competition (College) Winner - Tuan Vu and Le Phuong Pham
Tuan Vu, a senior piano performance major at Florida Gulf Coast University had his first piano lessons at the age of 6. In 2018, he started his study for Bachelor Degree in Piano Performance in Vietnam National Academy of Music under Prof. Nguyen Huy Phuong. During this time, he competed and won prizes in international, national and regional piano and chamber music competitions. In 2018, he was a finalist in Hanoi International Piano Competition. In 2019, he won Silver prize in China - ASEAN Piano Competition and finalist diploma in Vietnam International Music Competition for Violin and Chamber Music. In 2020, he earned a scholarship for an exchange program to study in Malardalens University, Sweden under Prof. Staffan Sandstrom. In Vietnam, he regularly collaborated with Vietnamese organizations and performed in concerts such as the 20th Century Concert Series. In 2022, he graduated as the valedictorian and was offered Nisita scholarship to continue his study in Florida Gulf Coast University under Dr. Michael Baron. During his study in Vietnam and the United States, he has had masterclasses with pianists such as János Balázs, Avo Kouyoumdjian, Tim Ovens, Dang Thai Son, Dario Alejandro Ntaca and Émile Naoumoff. In the United States he has performed frequently has won first place in Music Teachers National Association Piano Competition for Young Artists in Florida. He is currently one of five national finalists in the prestigious Stecher & Horowitz Two-Piano Competition with Le Phuong Pham.
Tuan Vu, a senior piano performance major at Florida Gulf Coast University had his first piano lessons at the age of 6. In 2018, he started his study for Bachelor Degree in Piano Performance in Vietnam National Academy of Music under Prof. Nguyen Huy Phuong. During this time, he competed and won prizes in international, national and regional piano and chamber music competitions. In 2018, he was a finalist in Hanoi International Piano Competition. In 2019, he won Silver prize in China - ASEAN Piano Competition and finalist diploma in Vietnam International Music Competition for Violin and Chamber Music. In 2020, he earned a scholarship for an exchange program to study in Malardalens University, Sweden under Prof. Staffan Sandstrom. In Vietnam, he regularly collaborated with Vietnamese organizations and performed in concerts such as the 20th Century Concert Series. In 2022, he graduated as the valedictorian and was offered Nisita scholarship to continue his study in Florida Gulf Coast University under Dr. Michael Baron. During his study in Vietnam and the United States, he has had masterclasses with pianists such as János Balázs, Avo Kouyoumdjian, Tim Ovens, Dang Thai Son, Dario Alejandro Ntaca and Émile Naoumoff. In the United States he has performed frequently has won first place in Music Teachers National Association Piano Competition for Young Artists in Florida. He is currently one of five national finalists in the prestigious Stecher & Horowitz Two-Piano Competition with Le Phuong Pham.
Born in 2005 into a family with an artistic background and exposed to music from a young age, Le Phuong Pham developed an affinity for classical music very early. She began studying piano at the age of four. After five years, she was admitted to the Piano Department of the Vietnam National Academy of Music, studying for ten years under Dr. Dao Trong Tuyen. Le Phuong gave her first solo recital at the age of 14, featuring works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt. Later that same year, she performed Chopin E minor Piano Concerto with the Sun Symphony Orchestra under French conductor Olivier Ochanine at the Grand Concert Hall of the Vietnam National Academy of Music. At the age of 15, she performed Mozart A major Piano Concerto with the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra. At 16, she performed Chopin E minor Concerto at the Hanoi Opera House. One year later, at 17, she performed Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 with VNSO. In 2020, at age 15, Phuong was admitted to Colburn Music Academy in Los Angeles with a full three-year scholarship, studying under Professor Fabio Bidini. Le Phuong eventually chose to continue her musical journey at the Bower School of Music at Florida Gulf Coast University under Dr. Michael Baron. Le Phuong has just been invited to perform the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 with the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra in August 2026 - making her the youngest female artists in Vietnam to ever perform this concerto.
Senior String Competition Winner - Leila Warren
Leila Warren, Junior at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida studies violin with Dr. Shannon Thomas (FSU). Leila will be participating in the National Youth Orchestras of America for the fourth consecutive year having performed as concertmaster in 2025, under the baton of Gianandrea Noseda during their tour of Asia. She has participated in FMEA All-State Orchestra and was selected as Concertmaster for the 2026 season. Locally, she is the current Concertmaster of the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra’s Philharmonic Division where she has been a member since age five.
Leila is honored to be named a 2026 YoungArts award winner. Recent (2024-26) solo Concerto and Young Artist competition wins include First Place prizes at MTNA-Southern Division Senior Strings, Bravura Philharmonic International, LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, John Leatherwood Senior Division, Lois Pickard, David Hubbell, Delta Symphony Orchestra, Ruth Kern, St. Augustine Orchestra, and Jacksonville Symphony. As a result of these wins, Leila has soloed with several orchestras. In addition, Leila has participated in Master Classes with Danielle Belen, Stefan Jackiw, Jessica Meyer, Kurt Sassmannshaus, Andrea Segar, Hagai Shaham, the Dover Quartet, the Vega Quartet and the Parker Quartet.
Outside of music, Leila participates in silent events including those at the Florida School for the Deaf. Having passed the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview assessment (SLPI) in 2025, Leila was accepted into a fully ASL immersive summer program at Gallaudet University. Leila is honored to play on a 2022 Douglas Cox violin generously on loan from the Virtu Foundation.
Leila Warren, Junior at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida studies violin with Dr. Shannon Thomas (FSU). Leila will be participating in the National Youth Orchestras of America for the fourth consecutive year having performed as concertmaster in 2025, under the baton of Gianandrea Noseda during their tour of Asia. She has participated in FMEA All-State Orchestra and was selected as Concertmaster for the 2026 season. Locally, she is the current Concertmaster of the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra’s Philharmonic Division where she has been a member since age five.
Leila is honored to be named a 2026 YoungArts award winner. Recent (2024-26) solo Concerto and Young Artist competition wins include First Place prizes at MTNA-Southern Division Senior Strings, Bravura Philharmonic International, LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, John Leatherwood Senior Division, Lois Pickard, David Hubbell, Delta Symphony Orchestra, Ruth Kern, St. Augustine Orchestra, and Jacksonville Symphony. As a result of these wins, Leila has soloed with several orchestras. In addition, Leila has participated in Master Classes with Danielle Belen, Stefan Jackiw, Jessica Meyer, Kurt Sassmannshaus, Andrea Segar, Hagai Shaham, the Dover Quartet, the Vega Quartet and the Parker Quartet.
Outside of music, Leila participates in silent events including those at the Florida School for the Deaf. Having passed the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview assessment (SLPI) in 2025, Leila was accepted into a fully ASL immersive summer program at Gallaudet University. Leila is honored to play on a 2022 Douglas Cox violin generously on loan from the Virtu Foundation.
Marc J. & Katheryn S. Hebda Senior Piano Solo Competition Winner - Derrick Wu
Derrick Wu is a resident of Boca Raton, and a senior at the A. W. Dreyfus School of the Arts. He started piano lessons at age 6 with Dr. Irena Kofman till today. While he was a freshman in high school, he joined the Advanced Piano Program of the Frost School of Music Preparatory Program at the University of Miami, where he is under the guidance of Dr. Luca Cubisino.
Derrick participated in the Florida Federation of Music Clubs (FFMC) Junior Festivals for over 10 years. He has been placed in local and state competitions/scholarships auditions, such as FFMC Junior Conventions, Pompano Beach Piano Competitions, Palm Beach County Music Teachers Association, Miami Music Teachers Association, and the District 6 Concerto Competitions.
In addition to piano, Derrick enjoys reading and running. He's also a foodie, trivia buff, and fitness enthusiast.
Derrick Wu is a resident of Boca Raton, and a senior at the A. W. Dreyfus School of the Arts. He started piano lessons at age 6 with Dr. Irena Kofman till today. While he was a freshman in high school, he joined the Advanced Piano Program of the Frost School of Music Preparatory Program at the University of Miami, where he is under the guidance of Dr. Luca Cubisino.
Derrick participated in the Florida Federation of Music Clubs (FFMC) Junior Festivals for over 10 years. He has been placed in local and state competitions/scholarships auditions, such as FFMC Junior Conventions, Pompano Beach Piano Competitions, Palm Beach County Music Teachers Association, Miami Music Teachers Association, and the District 6 Concerto Competitions.
In addition to piano, Derrick enjoys reading and running. He's also a foodie, trivia buff, and fitness enthusiast.
Gray Perry Young Collegiate Piano Competition Winner - Long Do
18-year-old pianist Long Do from Hanoi, Vietnam began studying piano at the age of ten. With passion and determination for classical music and the piano he entered the Vietnam National Academy of Music in 2019 where his artistic growth accelerated. In 2023, Long won Third Prize at the Rising Star International Piano Concerto Competition in Hanoi and received the Toyota Scholarship for Young Vietnamese Music Talents. That same year, he made his orchestral debut with the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra. He also recently received second prize in the MTNA Piano Competition for the state of Florida. He continues his musical journey on a full scholarship provided by Joanne Wyss in the Bachelor's degree in Piano Performance program at Florida Gulf Coast University under the guidance of Dr. Michael Baron.
18-year-old pianist Long Do from Hanoi, Vietnam began studying piano at the age of ten. With passion and determination for classical music and the piano he entered the Vietnam National Academy of Music in 2019 where his artistic growth accelerated. In 2023, Long won Third Prize at the Rising Star International Piano Concerto Competition in Hanoi and received the Toyota Scholarship for Young Vietnamese Music Talents. That same year, he made his orchestral debut with the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra. He also recently received second prize in the MTNA Piano Competition for the state of Florida. He continues his musical journey on a full scholarship provided by Joanne Wyss in the Bachelor's degree in Piano Performance program at Florida Gulf Coast University under the guidance of Dr. Michael Baron.
2026 Community Service Awards Winners
|
Local and District Presidents Community Service Award for Ninth Graders - David Lee, Winner
David Lee is currently in 9th grade attending American Heritage Schools at the Palm Beach Campus. He has been playing the violin since 3rd grade and has participated in many competitions such as FFMC, Opus Competition, and district concerto competitions. Moreover, he was accepted at All-State for 3 years and All-County for 4 years straight. He has also been participating in Solo and Ensemble. Since 2022, David has performed at multiple senior centers. He organized performances with friends to play solos and chamber pieces. In 8th grade, he joined a non-profit organization called Symphonies for Seniors, which he started as member, but became the President of the North Palm Beach branch in 2025. As such, he has invited more friends to play and now holds monthly performances at various senior centers in the Palm Beach area. To date, David has held over 30 community concerts for seniors in over 10 centers. Also, he serves as violinist in the church's music ministry. He is happy to share music as a way of giving back to his community, and more people continue to join this journey of sharing and connection.He is currently studying with Huifang Chen. |
|
FSMTA Community Service Award for Twelfth Grader - Naveen Yengera, Winner
Naveen Yengera is a senior at Palm Harbor University High School in the IB program. A student of piano studies with Karen Pasquarello-Lamneck since 2020, Naveen has participated in the NFMC District and State events since 2020. He has consistently earned Superior ratings for performance since 2020, and he has progressed in theory studies as well. In addition, Naveen has performed in a variety of recitals and piano competitions. Naveen earned the First-Place scholarship award of $5,000 in the Instrumental Music category in the Pinellas Education Foundation Walker’s Rising Stars competition in 2025. In 2024, Naveen won the Broadway Star of the Future Outstanding Accompanist Award for his solo piano performance in “Pride and Prejudice.” At school, Naveen is in the orchestra (piano, violin). Currently, he is completing Higher Level IB Music and has performed at his school’s IB Coffee House events. He also participated in marching band (synthesizer and sound engineer). In his community, Naveen performs music with his sisters as part of service work for the senior community. Naveen and his sister, Indira, created Healing Harmonies Music, Inc. in 2024 as an opportunity to perform music regularly at local assisted living and memory care centers. Inspired by his grandfather, who had dementia, Naveen believes in the healing power of music and loves bringing joy and connection to memories to the residents. Finally, Naveen also enjoys spending time with friends and family, snowboarding, wiffle ball (school league), robotics, creative writing, pickleball, tennis, travel, learning new languages and trying new cuisines. Presently, Naveen is preparing choreography for his high school student exchange team as they prepare for a performance in Nagano, Japan as part of the scholarship-based Clearwater Sister Cities High School Ambassador program. Naveen plans to continue piano performance in an ensemble or orchestra during his upcoming studies at the University of Florida, where he plans to study computer engineering. |
2025 MTNA Competitive Events Winners (Photos found below the listing of winners)
MTNA Performance Competitions
Evan Mitchell, VP for MTNA Competitive Events
The 2025 Florida MTNA Performance Competitions were held on October 11-12 at the UF School of Music in Gainesville. Nearly 70 young musicians participated! Congratulations to all who performed, and to our winners:
JUNIOR PIANO
SENIOR PIANO
YOUNG ARTIST PIANO
JUNIOR STRINGS
SENIOR STRINGS
YOUNG ARTIST STRINGS
YOUNG ARTIST WOODWINDS
Several categories had one entry. The following contestants will proceed to the next round as state Representatives:
JUNIOR WOODWINDS
SENIOR WOODWINDS
SENIOR PIANO DUET
We wish these students luck as they proceed to the Southern Divisional round!
We were fortunate to have an exceptional group of ten judges this year: Dr. Jasmin Arakawa, Associate Professor at the UF School of Music (Junior Piano); Dr. Erin Bennett, Associate Professor at the University of North Florida (Junior Piano); Dr. Griffin Campbell, Professor Emeritus at Louisiana State University (Young Artist Woodwinds); Dr. Lauren Hodges, Associate Professor at UF (Senior Strings); Dr. Byeol Kim, Assistant Professor at Rollins College (Senior and Young Artist Piano); Dr. Tania Moldovan, founding member of Duo Silvania and Tritium Ensemble (Junior, Senior, and Young Artist Strings); Dr. Alexander Pershounin, Assistant Professor at UF (Senior Strings); Dr. Joshua Pifer, Associate Professor at Valdosta State University (Junior and Young Artist Piano); Dr. Hsiang Tu, Assistant Professor at UF (Junior Piano); and Dr. Scott Watkins, Principal Keyboardist of the Jacksonville Symphony (Senior and Young Artist Piano).
FSMTA extends special thanks to: our Coordinators Lesia Schulha (Young Artist), Ruby Lee (Senior) and Kwangho Lee (Junior); to the UF School of Music; and to all of our many volunteers!
MTNA Performance Competitions
Evan Mitchell, VP for MTNA Competitive Events
The 2025 Florida MTNA Performance Competitions were held on October 11-12 at the UF School of Music in Gainesville. Nearly 70 young musicians participated! Congratulations to all who performed, and to our winners:
JUNIOR PIANO
- Winner: Maxwell Ji, student of Ning Lu
- Alternate: Sasha Yan, student of Shijun Wang
- Chopin Prize: Maxwell Ji, student of Ning Lu
- Honorable Mention: Zijie Song, student of Irena Kofman; Lilah Hahn, student of Luca Cubisino; Izél Gomez-Calderón, student of Yun-Ling Hsu
SENIOR PIANO
- Winner: YoYo Qu, student of Shijun Wang
- Alternate: Long Do, student of Michael Baron
- Chopin Prize: YoYo Qu, student of Shijun Wang
- Honorable Mention: Aureliano Silvero, student of Luca Cubisino; Benjamin Chen, student of Irena Kofman; Joanne Choi, student of Ruo Huang-Balko; Abigail Huang, student of Scott Cohen
YOUNG ARTIST PIANO
- Winner: Quang Vo, student of Michael Baron
- Alternate: Yuchen Lin, student of Stijn De Cock
- Honorable Mention: Ana-Maria Uzunova, student of Roberta Rust; Lam Nguyen, student of Michael Baron; Dylan Rhodes, student of Heidi Williams.
JUNIOR STRINGS
- Winner: Amanda Nunez (violin), student of Huifang Chen
- Alternate: Emma Pooler (violin), student of Leonid Yanovskiy
- Honorable Mention: Amelia Wells (violin), student of Susan Snow
SENIOR STRINGS
- Winner: Leila Warren (violin), student of Shannon Thomas
- Alternate: Michael Li (violin), student of Huifang Chen
- Honorable Mention: Gianna Beckford (viola), student of Katie Smirnova; and Kimberly Savage (cello), student of David Bjella
YOUNG ARTIST STRINGS
- Winner: Bailey Bryant (violin), student of Shannon Thomas
- Alternate: Benjamin Walding (cello), student of David Bjella
- Honorable Mention: Madison Tedder (cello), student of David Bjella
YOUNG ARTIST WOODWINDS
- Winner: Cailin McGarry (bassoon), student of Jeff Keesecker
- Alternate: Hannah Faircloth (clarinet), student of Deborah Bish
Several categories had one entry. The following contestants will proceed to the next round as state Representatives:
JUNIOR WOODWINDS
- Christina Koyama (flute), student of Marie Jureit-Beamish
SENIOR WOODWINDS
- Sophia Chen (flute), student of Marie Jureit-Beamish
SENIOR PIANO DUET
- Long Do and Bruno Ramirez Gallusser, students of Michael Baron
We wish these students luck as they proceed to the Southern Divisional round!
We were fortunate to have an exceptional group of ten judges this year: Dr. Jasmin Arakawa, Associate Professor at the UF School of Music (Junior Piano); Dr. Erin Bennett, Associate Professor at the University of North Florida (Junior Piano); Dr. Griffin Campbell, Professor Emeritus at Louisiana State University (Young Artist Woodwinds); Dr. Lauren Hodges, Associate Professor at UF (Senior Strings); Dr. Byeol Kim, Assistant Professor at Rollins College (Senior and Young Artist Piano); Dr. Tania Moldovan, founding member of Duo Silvania and Tritium Ensemble (Junior, Senior, and Young Artist Strings); Dr. Alexander Pershounin, Assistant Professor at UF (Senior Strings); Dr. Joshua Pifer, Associate Professor at Valdosta State University (Junior and Young Artist Piano); Dr. Hsiang Tu, Assistant Professor at UF (Junior Piano); and Dr. Scott Watkins, Principal Keyboardist of the Jacksonville Symphony (Senior and Young Artist Piano).
FSMTA extends special thanks to: our Coordinators Lesia Schulha (Young Artist), Ruby Lee (Senior) and Kwangho Lee (Junior); to the UF School of Music; and to all of our many volunteers!
JUNIOR PIANO
Winner: Maxwell Ji, student of Ning Lu
JUNIOR STRINGS
Winner: Amanda Nunez (violin), student of Huifang Chen
YOUNG ARTIST WOODWINDS
Winner: Cailin McGarry (bassoon), student of Jeff Keesecker
SENIOR PIANO DUET REPRESENTATIVES:
Long Do and Bruno Ramirez Gallusser, students of Michael Baron
|
SENIOR PIANO
Winner: YoYo Qu, student of Shijun Wang
SENIOR STRINGS
Winner: Leila Warren (violin), student of Shannon Thomas
JUNIOR WOODWINDS REPRESENTATIVE:
Christina Koyama (flute), student of Marie Jureit-Beamish
|
YOUNG ARTIST PIANO
Winner: Quang Vo, student of Michael Baron
YOUNG ARTIST STRINGS
Winner: Bailey Bryant (violin), student of Shannon Thomas
SENIOR WOODWINDS REPRESENTATIVE:
Sophia Chen (flute), student of Marie Jureit-Beamish
|