Winners
2026 Community Service Awards Winners
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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. |
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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
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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
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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
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Winners of the 2025 FSMTA Competitive Events (Photos & bios found below the listing of winners)
State Concerto Competition
Strings Junior
Strings Intermediate
Strings Senior
Piano Junior
Piano Intermediate
Piano Senior
Byrd Memorial Piano Ensemble
Senior String Solo
Chamber Music
Hebda Senior Piano Solo
Strings Junior
- 1st - Avdey Kostornyi
- 2nd - Sumire Shinano
Strings Intermediate
- 1st - Amanda Nunez
- 2nd - Alli Tseng
Strings Senior
- 1st - Ivan Kostornyi
- 2nd - Michael Li
- Honorable Mention - Pranay Gadikota and Jianlin Chen
Piano Junior
- 1st Prize- Izel Gómez-Calderón
- 2nd Prize - Lilah Hahn
- Honorable Mention - Kate Juld
Piano Intermediate
- 1st Prize - Mark Lopat
- 2nd Prize - Joshua Safont and Yaqi Song
- Honorable Mention - Leif Jerde and Megan Juld
Piano Senior
- 1st Prize - Paul Wubbena IV
- 2nd Prize - Jameson Moore
- Honorable Mention - Jianlin Chen, Vitalij Fedchenko, Nick Kontek, Lyric Eng, Bryan Zheng
Byrd Memorial Piano Ensemble
- 1st Prize- Mason Huffman and Jameson Moore
- 2nd Prize - Sophia Efron and Evelyn Efron
Senior String Solo
- 1st Prize- Marco Bernad
Chamber Music
- 1st Prize - Oglio Sextet
Hebda Senior Piano Solo
- 1st Prize - Joshua Safont
- 2nd Prize - Misa Quach and Benjamin Chen
- Honorable Mention - Jianlin Chen, Daniel Penaherrera, Derrick Wu
Photos & Bios of Winners
State Concerto Strings Junior Winner: Avdey Kostornyi (student of Olga Kolpakova, District 5)
Avdey Nathanael Kostornyi is a seven-year-old violinist who was born in Sydney, Australia. Before he had his first lesson at the age of three, he was well acquainted with the sound (and the feel) of the violin, since he would hear daily how his older brother Ivan practiced his own violin. After the whole family had moved to the United States, Avdey started taking lessons from various teachers. Throughout the years, Avdey has performed on various recitals and concerts. In 2024, he had his debut as a soloist, playing with Bravo Chamber Orchestra in Orlando, Florida. That same year, Avdey took first place for both solo and concerto at the Florida Federation of Music Clubs, and he also took first place at the OPUS competition in the state of Florida. Avdey is dreaming to become a conductor one day, and in his spare time, he enjoys practicing with his baton. Besides playing violin, Avdey also studies organ with Dr. Terry Yount at the Saint Andrew's Conservatory of Music.
Avdey Nathanael Kostornyi is a seven-year-old violinist who was born in Sydney, Australia. Before he had his first lesson at the age of three, he was well acquainted with the sound (and the feel) of the violin, since he would hear daily how his older brother Ivan practiced his own violin. After the whole family had moved to the United States, Avdey started taking lessons from various teachers. Throughout the years, Avdey has performed on various recitals and concerts. In 2024, he had his debut as a soloist, playing with Bravo Chamber Orchestra in Orlando, Florida. That same year, Avdey took first place for both solo and concerto at the Florida Federation of Music Clubs, and he also took first place at the OPUS competition in the state of Florida. Avdey is dreaming to become a conductor one day, and in his spare time, he enjoys practicing with his baton. Besides playing violin, Avdey also studies organ with Dr. Terry Yount at the Saint Andrew's Conservatory of Music.
State Concerto Strings Intermediate Winner: Amanda Nunez (student of Huifang Chen, District 6)
Amanda is currently studying the violin with Ms. Huifang Chen. She started Suzuki violin at the age of 2 and began private lessons at the age of 4, participating in ensembles such as chamber music and orchestras at the age of 5. She is the Principal Orchestra concertmaster of Florida Youth Orchestra and really enjoys playing in the ensemble every week. She has won awards at numerous competitions, continuing her musical journey and moving forward every day.
Amanda is currently studying the violin with Ms. Huifang Chen. She started Suzuki violin at the age of 2 and began private lessons at the age of 4, participating in ensembles such as chamber music and orchestras at the age of 5. She is the Principal Orchestra concertmaster of Florida Youth Orchestra and really enjoys playing in the ensemble every week. She has won awards at numerous competitions, continuing her musical journey and moving forward every day.
State Concerto Strings Senior Winner: Ivan Kostornyi (student of Olga Kolpakova, District 5)
Ivan Kostornyi, a sixteen-year-old violinist, began his musical studies at the age of five in Sydney, Australia. At the age of nine, he gave his first solo concert in Sydney. When he was ten years old, Ivan and his family moved to Orlando, Florida, where he continued studying violin with various teachers. Over the years, Ivan has also participated in different masterclasses and received individual lessons from Professor Antal Zalai, Dr. Evgeny Bushkov, David Kim, Professor Elmar Oliveira, Professor Julia Bushkova, and Professor Routa Kroumovitch. Ivan has received top awards in various competitions such as MTNA Competition, Florida Federation of Music Clubs, OPUS Competition, and the FSYO Concerto Competition. Among the awards that he has received are Connie Tuttle Lill All Performance Award and Irene Muir Memorial Award (2024). Besides violin, Ivan also studies organ (as a second instrument) with Dr. Terry Yount, a former professor at the Rollins College (Winter Park, Florida).
Ivan Kostornyi, a sixteen-year-old violinist, began his musical studies at the age of five in Sydney, Australia. At the age of nine, he gave his first solo concert in Sydney. When he was ten years old, Ivan and his family moved to Orlando, Florida, where he continued studying violin with various teachers. Over the years, Ivan has also participated in different masterclasses and received individual lessons from Professor Antal Zalai, Dr. Evgeny Bushkov, David Kim, Professor Elmar Oliveira, Professor Julia Bushkova, and Professor Routa Kroumovitch. Ivan has received top awards in various competitions such as MTNA Competition, Florida Federation of Music Clubs, OPUS Competition, and the FSYO Concerto Competition. Among the awards that he has received are Connie Tuttle Lill All Performance Award and Irene Muir Memorial Award (2024). Besides violin, Ivan also studies organ (as a second instrument) with Dr. Terry Yount, a former professor at the Rollins College (Winter Park, Florida).
State Concerto Piano Junior Winner: Izel Gómez-Calderón (student of Dr. Yun-Ling Hsu, District 5)
Izel Gómez Calderón will turn 13 in March 2025. He began piano at age 4 and ear and solfeggio training at age 5 at the Higher Institute of Arts (ISA) in Costa Rica, studying piano with M.M. Ludmila Melzer and Dr. Alexander Sklioutovsky. Between 2017 and 2022, Izel earned multiple awards in international competitions, including 1st place at the Belgrade International Music Competition (Serbia) in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022 (2nd place in 2020); 1st place at the American Fine Arts Festival (AFAF) Online Stay at Home International Competition (2021); and top prizes at the Primer Concurso Latinoamericano de Piano América para Todos (2020), the 18th Festival-Concurso Internacional Piano Villahermosa (2022); and Washington International Piano Festival (2022). In 2018, he won 2nd place at the AFAF International Concerto Competition and performed at Weill Hall, Carnegie Hall. In 2022, Izel was invited by Izmael Pacheco to perform Haydn’s Piano Concerto No. 11 (1st movement) with the Orchestra of Costa Rica.
After moving to Florida in 2022, Izel began studying with Dr. Yun-Ling Hsu in spring 2023. Under her guidance, his major achievements include Alternate Winner at the MTNA Florida State Junior Piano Performance (2024); 1st place (2025) and 2nd place (2024) at the FSMTA District V Concerto Competition (Junior); 1st place at the CFMTA Sonatina & Sonata Festival (Age 11-12) in 2024 and 2025; 2nd place at the Junior Gainesville Youth Concerto Competition (2023), with an invitation to perform at the Honor’s Recital (2024); and multiple honors at the NFMC Florida State Convention (2024), including 1st place in the Florida State Piano Concerto (Jr III-B) and Vi Kinsman Memorial Endowed Award, 1st place in Chamber Music-Piano Trio and Piano Accompaniment, and an Honorable Mention in Piano Solo.
Outside of music, Izel enjoys reading, watching movies, cooking, fishing, and playing outdoors.
Izel Gómez Calderón will turn 13 in March 2025. He began piano at age 4 and ear and solfeggio training at age 5 at the Higher Institute of Arts (ISA) in Costa Rica, studying piano with M.M. Ludmila Melzer and Dr. Alexander Sklioutovsky. Between 2017 and 2022, Izel earned multiple awards in international competitions, including 1st place at the Belgrade International Music Competition (Serbia) in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022 (2nd place in 2020); 1st place at the American Fine Arts Festival (AFAF) Online Stay at Home International Competition (2021); and top prizes at the Primer Concurso Latinoamericano de Piano América para Todos (2020), the 18th Festival-Concurso Internacional Piano Villahermosa (2022); and Washington International Piano Festival (2022). In 2018, he won 2nd place at the AFAF International Concerto Competition and performed at Weill Hall, Carnegie Hall. In 2022, Izel was invited by Izmael Pacheco to perform Haydn’s Piano Concerto No. 11 (1st movement) with the Orchestra of Costa Rica.
After moving to Florida in 2022, Izel began studying with Dr. Yun-Ling Hsu in spring 2023. Under her guidance, his major achievements include Alternate Winner at the MTNA Florida State Junior Piano Performance (2024); 1st place (2025) and 2nd place (2024) at the FSMTA District V Concerto Competition (Junior); 1st place at the CFMTA Sonatina & Sonata Festival (Age 11-12) in 2024 and 2025; 2nd place at the Junior Gainesville Youth Concerto Competition (2023), with an invitation to perform at the Honor’s Recital (2024); and multiple honors at the NFMC Florida State Convention (2024), including 1st place in the Florida State Piano Concerto (Jr III-B) and Vi Kinsman Memorial Endowed Award, 1st place in Chamber Music-Piano Trio and Piano Accompaniment, and an Honorable Mention in Piano Solo.
Outside of music, Izel enjoys reading, watching movies, cooking, fishing, and playing outdoors.
State Concerto Piano Intermediate Winner: Mark Lopat (student of Sean Kennard, District 5)
Mark Lopat was born on March 6, 2012. He has been studying piano since the age of 6. He has won top prizes in the Fujairah international piano competition (2020), VIII Stockholm International Music Competition (2021), the Young Maestro International Competition, NY (2022), and the London International Music Competition (2024), and several local competitions including First Place in the District 5 Concerto Competiton (2020).
Mark Lopat was born on March 6, 2012. He has been studying piano since the age of 6. He has won top prizes in the Fujairah international piano competition (2020), VIII Stockholm International Music Competition (2021), the Young Maestro International Competition, NY (2022), and the London International Music Competition (2024), and several local competitions including First Place in the District 5 Concerto Competiton (2020).
State Concerto Senior Piano Winner: Paul Wubbena IV (student of Inesa Gegprifti, District 6)
Paul Wubbena is an 11th grader from Edgewood Junior/Senior High School where he actively participates in his school music program as a percussionist, jazz pianist, and accompanist. Paul currently also plays with the Melbourne Community Orchestra and his debut as a soloist was with this orchestra in October 2024, performing Liszt's Totentanz.
Over the years, Paul has participated and placed in numerous events including FSMTA’s Student Day, State Junior Solo, and District Concerto; FFMC’s Junior Convention Solo and Senior Concerto; and other national and international competitions and masterclasses. Paul has earned the FFMC Grand Cup and is working towards the coveted 90-point President's Cup. His dedication to music and his community earned Paul the 2023 President's FSMTA Community Service Award for 9th Graders.
Paul has attended the Young Musicians' Camp at the Frost School of Music, the University of Florida's International Piano Festival, and Brevard Music Center's Piano Institute. This last summer, he played 22 percussion instruments in Brevard County's Summer Fine Art's Theater Workshop's production of “Shrek: The Musical.” Paul has been fortunate to work with teachers and mentors who have inspired him, including Inesa Gegprifti, Mara Lauzums, Andrew Kropp, Joseph Franco, Brian Slawson, and Redi Llupa.
Paul is on Edgewood's and Team Brevard's academic teams where he specializes in music theory and history. He plays bowling and tennis, and in his free time he enjoys movie nights, jam sessions, and spending time with his friends.
Paul Wubbena is an 11th grader from Edgewood Junior/Senior High School where he actively participates in his school music program as a percussionist, jazz pianist, and accompanist. Paul currently also plays with the Melbourne Community Orchestra and his debut as a soloist was with this orchestra in October 2024, performing Liszt's Totentanz.
Over the years, Paul has participated and placed in numerous events including FSMTA’s Student Day, State Junior Solo, and District Concerto; FFMC’s Junior Convention Solo and Senior Concerto; and other national and international competitions and masterclasses. Paul has earned the FFMC Grand Cup and is working towards the coveted 90-point President's Cup. His dedication to music and his community earned Paul the 2023 President's FSMTA Community Service Award for 9th Graders.
Paul has attended the Young Musicians' Camp at the Frost School of Music, the University of Florida's International Piano Festival, and Brevard Music Center's Piano Institute. This last summer, he played 22 percussion instruments in Brevard County's Summer Fine Art's Theater Workshop's production of “Shrek: The Musical.” Paul has been fortunate to work with teachers and mentors who have inspired him, including Inesa Gegprifti, Mara Lauzums, Andrew Kropp, Joseph Franco, Brian Slawson, and Redi Llupa.
Paul is on Edgewood's and Team Brevard's academic teams where he specializes in music theory and history. He plays bowling and tennis, and in his free time he enjoys movie nights, jam sessions, and spending time with his friends.
Byrd Memorial Piano Ensemble Winners: Mason Huffman and Jameson Moore (students of Dr. Michael Baron, District 7)
Mason Huffman began studying piano performance and music theory at the age of seven. Since 2022, he has been studying under Dr. Michael Baron at the Bower School of Music at Florida Gulf Coast University. He has consistently earned Performance Honors, Music Theory Honors, and Aural Honors from Level 4 through Level 10 with the Florida State Music Teachers Association. Mason has won multiple regional piano solo and concerto competitions and has been a finalist in state-level competitions. As both a pianist and a STEM enthusiast, he is particularly interested in exploring the advanced mathematical concepts underlying music. His current research focuses on deriving the wave equation for piano strings and minimizing dissonance among intervals. He has presented his work at national mathematics conferences, including the Joint Mathematics Meeting in Seattle, and his project earned Best of Fair at the Regional Science Fair.
Mason Huffman began studying piano performance and music theory at the age of seven. Since 2022, he has been studying under Dr. Michael Baron at the Bower School of Music at Florida Gulf Coast University. He has consistently earned Performance Honors, Music Theory Honors, and Aural Honors from Level 4 through Level 10 with the Florida State Music Teachers Association. Mason has won multiple regional piano solo and concerto competitions and has been a finalist in state-level competitions. As both a pianist and a STEM enthusiast, he is particularly interested in exploring the advanced mathematical concepts underlying music. His current research focuses on deriving the wave equation for piano strings and minimizing dissonance among intervals. He has presented his work at national mathematics conferences, including the Joint Mathematics Meeting in Seattle, and his project earned Best of Fair at the Regional Science Fair.
My name is Jameson Moore. I am 18 years old and am currently a senior at Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts. I have been playing piano for over 13 years and currently study under Dr. Michael Baron at Florida Gulf Coast University. My previous piano teachers include Hugh Gonglewski and Dr. Patricia Englehart. Some accomplishments of mine are as follows: In 2023 and 2024, I received 3rd and 2nd place respectively in The Music Foundation of Greater Naples piano competition. In 2024, I received 1st place in the FGCU Steinway Competition for their Senior Division. In addition to classical music, I started learning jazz piano in the 6th grade and currently study under Dr. Zach Bartholemew. I also play piano in local community groups, including the Naples Concert Band, Artis Naples’ Youth Jazz Orchestra, and my high school’s jazz band. Occasionally, I have played piano for churches, jazz combos, and my school’s orchestra and wind ensemble. Additionally, I play percussion in the Naples Concert Band and my high school band. I have made all-state twice, first as a percussionist in the High School Honors Band (11th grade) and then as a pianist in the High School Jazz Band (12th grade). Next year I plan on studying engineering at the University of Miami and minoring in music performance. I hope to continue my studies as a pianist and possibly teach piano to younger students while in college.
Senior String Solo Winner: Marco Bernad (student of Elizabeth La O)
Hi! My name is Marco David Bernad, and I’m a classical guitarist originally from a small town in northern Spain, now living in Miami. I’ve been playing classical guitar for four years, learning both on my own and with guidance from my mother, who is also a guitarist. Growing up in a musical household, I was inspired by watching her play, which sparked my passion for the instrument and motivated me to teach myself.
In addition to guitar, I also play the drums and sing, and I’m a competitive swimmer at my school. Music has always been a huge part of my life, and classical guitar, in particular, has allowed me to express myself in a unique and meaningful way. I’m always striving to improve my technique and interpretation, and I’m excited to share my love for the instrument through performance.
Hi! My name is Marco David Bernad, and I’m a classical guitarist originally from a small town in northern Spain, now living in Miami. I’ve been playing classical guitar for four years, learning both on my own and with guidance from my mother, who is also a guitarist. Growing up in a musical household, I was inspired by watching her play, which sparked my passion for the instrument and motivated me to teach myself.
In addition to guitar, I also play the drums and sing, and I’m a competitive swimmer at my school. Music has always been a huge part of my life, and classical guitar, in particular, has allowed me to express myself in a unique and meaningful way. I’m always striving to improve my technique and interpretation, and I’m excited to share my love for the instrument through performance.
Hebda Senior Piano Solo Winner: Joshua Safont (student of Luca Cubisino, District 6)
Joshua is fifteen years old and has been playing the piano for twelve years. He is presently attending the Frost Prep Advanced Piano Program at the Frost School of Music, where he studies with Dr. Luca Cubisino. At the APP, Joshua has been exposed to masterclasses, studio classes, music theory, and performance opportunities. Joshua continues to also work with Ms. Sahily Canovas, who has been teaching him since he was four years old. Joshua has performed in several venues playing as a piano soloist, choir accompanist, but also as a singer, reaching almost 250 public performances. As a winner of the MMTF Pat Simpson Competition, he played Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto with the University of Miami Stamps Quartet in April 2022. He has also played for countless organizations and institutions, including the Chopin Foundation of the U.S. for its Young Local Pianists concert. He attends Miami Arts Studio @ Zelda Glazer in Miami, where he excels in voice and choir. Joshua also plays for the MAS Choir, which he accompanied at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium in March 2024. He has recently participated in the FMEA All-State Choir in Tampa and performed as a singer soloist with the University of Miami Chorus. Joshua has been a member of the Coral Gables Music Club for the past nine years, where he has been a Scholarship recipient since 2020. In 2024, he was elected as President of the Coral Gables Jr. Music Club.
Joshua is fifteen years old and has been playing the piano for twelve years. He is presently attending the Frost Prep Advanced Piano Program at the Frost School of Music, where he studies with Dr. Luca Cubisino. At the APP, Joshua has been exposed to masterclasses, studio classes, music theory, and performance opportunities. Joshua continues to also work with Ms. Sahily Canovas, who has been teaching him since he was four years old. Joshua has performed in several venues playing as a piano soloist, choir accompanist, but also as a singer, reaching almost 250 public performances. As a winner of the MMTF Pat Simpson Competition, he played Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto with the University of Miami Stamps Quartet in April 2022. He has also played for countless organizations and institutions, including the Chopin Foundation of the U.S. for its Young Local Pianists concert. He attends Miami Arts Studio @ Zelda Glazer in Miami, where he excels in voice and choir. Joshua also plays for the MAS Choir, which he accompanied at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium in March 2024. He has recently participated in the FMEA All-State Choir in Tampa and performed as a singer soloist with the University of Miami Chorus. Joshua has been a member of the Coral Gables Music Club for the past nine years, where he has been a Scholarship recipient since 2020. In 2024, he was elected as President of the Coral Gables Jr. Music Club.
Chamber Music Winner: Oglio Sextet - Samuel Marquis, Archangel Luniw, Gregory Ladd, Maya Triandafils, Isaiah Dorn, and Ian Crush (students of Dr. Brian Bak, District 5)
Sammy Marquis is a senior at Cocoa Beach HS and has played violin for over 10 years. He has attended several Florida All-State HS Orchestra Festivals and summer music festivals.
Archangel Luniw is a Senior at Eau Gallie HS, He has been playing violin for 6 years, He has played for NYO, Ascent, and the Florida All-State HS Orchestra
Gregory Ladd has been playing cello for 6 years and is a senior at Eau Gallie HS. He has been a part of the Florida All-State HS Orchestra and a member of the ASTA High School Grand Champion of 2022.
Maya Triandafils is a senior at Titusville HS. She began playing cello in 5th grade and since has attended several Florida All-State Orchestra's and summer music programs
Isaiah Dorn is in the 11th grade at Eau Gallie HS and is a Violist and Violinist for seven years. He has participated in FMEA All-State Ensembles and Brevard String Academy Premier Orchestra.
Ian Crush is a senior at Satelitte HS. He has been playing for viola for seven years and has participated in the Florida All-State HS Orchestra and Summer Music Festivals.
Sammy Marquis is a senior at Cocoa Beach HS and has played violin for over 10 years. He has attended several Florida All-State HS Orchestra Festivals and summer music festivals.
Archangel Luniw is a Senior at Eau Gallie HS, He has been playing violin for 6 years, He has played for NYO, Ascent, and the Florida All-State HS Orchestra
Gregory Ladd has been playing cello for 6 years and is a senior at Eau Gallie HS. He has been a part of the Florida All-State HS Orchestra and a member of the ASTA High School Grand Champion of 2022.
Maya Triandafils is a senior at Titusville HS. She began playing cello in 5th grade and since has attended several Florida All-State Orchestra's and summer music programs
Isaiah Dorn is in the 11th grade at Eau Gallie HS and is a Violist and Violinist for seven years. He has participated in FMEA All-State Ensembles and Brevard String Academy Premier Orchestra.
Ian Crush is a senior at Satelitte HS. He has been playing for viola for seven years and has participated in the Florida All-State HS Orchestra and Summer Music Festivals.