Winners
2023 MTNA Competitive Events Winners
Elementary Winners:
Junior Winners:
Senior Winners:
Young Artist Winners:
Elementary Winners:
- State Composition Winner: Julian Coke, student of Liliya Ugay
- State Composition Honorable Mention: Nicanor Perez-Bruzzone, student of Natsuko Ejiri
Junior Winners:
- State Piano Winner: Yoyo Qu, student of Shi-gu Zhang
- Chopin Prize: Winnie Huang, student of Ruo Balko
- State Piano Alternate: Steven Xue, student of Ruo Balko
- State Piano Honorable Mention: Sasha Yan, student of Shi-gu Zhang
- State Piano Honorable Mention: Joanne Choi, student of Ruo Balko
- State Strings Winner, Violin: Ivan Kostornyi, student of Alvaro Gomez
- State Strings Alternate, Violin: Emma Pooler, student of Leonid Yanovskiy
- State Composition Winner: Alexander Whitten, student of Daniel Nagy
- State Composition Honorable Mention: Isabel Liu, student of Yue Sun
Senior Winners:
- State Strings Winner, Violin: Lauren Juntunen, student of Ayako Yonetani
- State Strings Alternate, Violin: Raveena Cherry, student of Huifang Chen
- State Strings Honorable Mention, Violin: Nicholas Shikano, student of Chih-Jung Hsu
- State Piano Winner: Quang Vo, student of Michael Baron
- Chopin Prize: Duy Vu, student of Michael Baron
- State Piano Alternate: Vu Dang, student of Michael Baron
- Senior Piano Honorable Mention: Aidan Quintana, student of Roberta Rust
- Senior Piano Honorable Mention: Duy Vu, student of Michael Baron
- State Representative Piano Duet: Quang Vo and Duy Vu, students of Michael Baron
- State Woodwind Representative, Flute: Kara Ravaschieri, student of Marie Jureit-Beamish
- State and Division Brass Representative, Trombone: Andrew Roberts, student of Laurie Penpraze
- State Voice Representative, Soprano: Jade Rojas, student of Jeanie Darnell
- State Composition Winner: Romelio Fleming, student of Charity Robson
- State Composition Honorable Mention: Andrew Gedde, student of Patricia Englehardt
Young Artist Winners:
- State Voice Winner, Mezzo-soprano: Daniela Pepe, student Jeanie Darnell
- State Voice Alternate, Soprano: Claudia Cespedes, student of Jeanie Darnell
- State Voice Honorable Mention, Soprano: Tori Hyman, student of Jeanie Darnell
- State Woodwinds Winner, Saxophone: Alexander Nguyen, student of Geoffrey Deibel
- State Woodwinds Alternate, Saxophone: Matthew James, student of Geoffrey Deibel
- State Honorable Mention, Saxophone: Evan Blitzer, student of Geoffrey Deibel
- State Strings Winner, Cello: Dennis Fleitz, student of David Bjella
- State Alternate, violin: Bailey Bryant, student of Shannon Thomas
- State Piano Winner: Tuan Vu, student of Michael Baron
- State Piano Alternate: Yance Zheng, student of Roberta Rust
- State Piano Honorable Mention: Jasmin Abdunazarova, student of Roberta Rust
- State Brass Representative, Euphonium: Natalie Colegrove, student of Aaron Tindall
- State Composition Winner: Andrew Eskut, student of Jonathan Bassett
State Composition Winner, Alexander Taishi Whitten (13) was born in Japan and has lived in five countries. He currently studies with Mr. Daniel Nagy in Pensacola, FL. He began to play piano in Rio de Janeiro at age 8 and was composing his own songs by 11. He entered his first composition competition last year in Doha, Qatar and won first prize in the Junior freestyle division. He recently won the John Leatherwood Concerto Competition and will be performing with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra in Feb 2024. Alex’s role model is the incomparable Japanese pianist/composer, Hayato Sumino. His composition, Reverie de Canards, was dedicated to the two ducks Alex’s aunt kept as pets. Alex always wants to give praise to God and make others happy through his music.
State Woodwinds Winner, Saxophone, AJ Nguyen is an avid chamber musician and advocator of the saxophone. Nguyen is currently a first-year Doctor of Music student in Saxophone Performance at Florida State University, where he serves as a graduate teaching assistant for the saxophone studio. Active in the competition circuit, he has received awards from the Music Teachers National Association Chamber Winds and Young Artist Competition, the New Orleans Chamber Fest, and the Coltman Chamber Music Competition. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Oklahoma State University, and a Master of Music degree in Saxophone Performance from the University of Oklahoma. His primary teachers include Dr. Jeffrey Loeffert, Dr. Johnny Salinas, Dr. Jonathan Nichol, and Dr. Geoffrey Deibel.
2023 FSMTA Competitive Events Winners (Photos & bios found below the listing of winners)
Gray Perry Young Collegiate Piano Competition:
Byrd Memorial Piano Ensemble Competition: Collegiate Category
Pre-College Chamber Music Competition:
King Music Education Scholarship:
Local and District Presidents Community Service Award for Ninth Graders:
Community Service Awards for 12th Graders:
FSMTA State Concerto Competition:
Piano Junior:
Piano Intermediate:
Piano Senior:
String Junior:
String Intermediate:
String Senior:
Brass Intermediate:
Brass Senior:
Voice Senior:
Gray Perry Young Collegiate Piano Competition:
- 1st: Cesar Perez, Student of Michael Baron
- 2nd: Caroline Dratnal, Student of Roberta Rust
- 2nd: Juan Baquero, Student of Michael Baron
- HM: Nurgozel Nepesova, student of Kenneth Hanks
Byrd Memorial Piano Ensemble Competition: Collegiate Category
- 1st: Juan Baquero, Cesar Perez, students of Michael Baron
- 2nd: Caroline Dratnal, Ryan Aguilar, students of Jon Robertson
Pre-College Chamber Music Competition:
- 1st: A Fine Quartet (Gainesville, coached by Stephen Fine)
King Music Education Scholarship:
- Melody Morrison (FSU), student of Diana Dumlavwalla - photo attached
Local and District Presidents Community Service Award for Ninth Graders:
- Paul Wubbena, student of Mara Lauzums
Community Service Awards for 12th Graders:
- Bryden Reeves, student of Diana Dumlavwalla
FSMTA State Concerto Competition:
Piano Junior:
- 1st: Yuntian (Raphael) Wu (D3, studio of Declan Tse)
- 2nd:
- Lilah Hahn (D6, studio of Erikson Rojas)
- Sophia Acevedo Rivas (D5, studio of Zalina Gurevich)
- Leif Jerde (D7, studio of Anne McLean)
- Honorable Mention:
- Ava Gong (D4, studio of Mary McKee)
- Moses Peterlevitz (D1, studio of Lydia Cedeño)
Piano Intermediate:
- 1st: Ziming Pan (D3, studio of Hong Lin)
- 2nd: Willem Sainvil (D6, studio of Lydia Cedeño)
- Honorable Mention:
- Caitlyn Du (D5, studio of Zalina Gurevich)
- Mason Huffman (D7, studio of Michael Baron)
Piano Senior:
- 1st: Timothy Yu (D6, studio of Maria Gomez)
- 2nd: Vincent Pham (D9, studio of Rebecca Penneys)
- Honorable Mention:
- Fyodor Rudchenko (D3, studio of Evan Mitchell)
- Spencer McKee (D4, studio of Mary McKee)
String Junior:
- 1st: Amanda Nunez (D6, studio of Huifang Chen)
- 2nd: Amelia Harin Lee (D4, studio of Sonja Foster)
- Honorable Mention: Ian Tran (D5, studio of Chih-Jung Hsu)
String Intermediate:
- 1st: Mia Hakkarainen (D6, studio of Huifang Chen)
- 2nd: Louis Ossi (D4, studio of Melissa Barrett)
- Honorable Mention:
- Frederick Li (D9, studio of Yan Lu)
- Alexandra Ilchenko (D6, studio of Misha Vitenson)
String Senior:
- 1st: Raveena Cherry (D6, studio of Huifang Chen)
- 2nd:
- Annelise Ossi (D4, studio of Melissa Barrett)
- Simone Seely (D3, studio of Janna Lower)
- Honorable Mention: Lauren Juntunen (D5, studio of Ayako Yonetani)
Brass Intermediate:
- 1st: Andrew Roberts (D1, studio of Ingrid Roberts)
Brass Senior:
- 1st : Thomas Roberts (D1, studio of Ingrid Roberts)
Voice Senior:
- 1st: Jade Rojas (D7, studio of Jeanie Darnell)
Photos & Bios of Winners
Gray Perry Young Collegiate Piano Competition: Cesar Perez, Student of Michael Baron
Cesar Perez is a freshman piano performance major. He began his studies at the art school "Raul Gomez Garcia" in his town in Cuba at the age of 8. From that time, he showed exceptional aptitude for music and participated in various regional and national competitions such as "Amado Touza", winning first prize in his category. He studied at the Music Conservatory "Jose Maria Ochoa Correa". He gave many recitals at various festivals and venues throughout Cuba such as "The Piano Festival", and "Romerias de Mayo". He was awarded a scholarship to study in the United States with Dr. Michael Baron.
Cesar Perez is a freshman piano performance major. He began his studies at the art school "Raul Gomez Garcia" in his town in Cuba at the age of 8. From that time, he showed exceptional aptitude for music and participated in various regional and national competitions such as "Amado Touza", winning first prize in his category. He studied at the Music Conservatory "Jose Maria Ochoa Correa". He gave many recitals at various festivals and venues throughout Cuba such as "The Piano Festival", and "Romerias de Mayo". He was awarded a scholarship to study in the United States with Dr. Michael Baron.
Byrd Memorial Piano Ensemble Competition: Collegiate Category - Juan Baquero, Cesar Perez, students of Michael Baron
Juan Baquero, student of Dr. Michael Baron, is currently enrolled in his sophomore year in Bower School of Music & the Arts. He did most of his music studies in the National University of Colombia in Bogotá - Colombia. He has been successful in multiple competitions in his home country of Colombia.
Juan Baquero, student of Dr. Michael Baron, is currently enrolled in his sophomore year in Bower School of Music & the Arts. He did most of his music studies in the National University of Colombia in Bogotá - Colombia. He has been successful in multiple competitions in his home country of Colombia.
Cesar Perez is a freshman piano performance major. He began his studies at the art school "Raul Gomez Garcia" in his town in Cuba at the age of 8. From that time, he showed exceptional aptitude for music and participated in various regional and national competitions such as "Amado Touza," winning first prize in his category. He studied at the Music Conservatory "Jose Maria Ochoa Correa". He gave many recitals at various festivals and venues throughout Cuba such as "The Piano Festival", and "Romerias de Mayo." He was awarded a scholarship to study in the United States with Dr. Michael Baron.
Pre-College Chamber Music Competition: A Fine Quartet (Gainesville, coached by Stephen Fine)
Sasha Richeson began playing violin at 2 years old. She is a 10th grader at Buchholz HS. She has been a soloist with many orchestras including a debut with The Gainesville Orchestra when she was 12. She currently studies with Janna Lower.
Quinn French began playing violin at 5 years old. She has been in multiple ensembles since 9 years old. She is a member of Alachua County Youth Orchestra dn the the Joey's Wings String Quartet, in which she fundraises for childhood cancer research.
Isabella Thomas is a 10th grader and began playing cello at 5 years old. She is a dual-enrollment student at Santa Fe College. She studies with Nick Curry, professor of cello at UNF.
Allie Asmus began playing violin at 8 and viola at 13 years old. She has won the Tampa Young Artist Competition the past 2 years. She is a violist in Alachua County Youth Orchestra and enjoys performing for assisted living centers and performing for local rodeo events.
Sasha Richeson began playing violin at 2 years old. She is a 10th grader at Buchholz HS. She has been a soloist with many orchestras including a debut with The Gainesville Orchestra when she was 12. She currently studies with Janna Lower.
Quinn French began playing violin at 5 years old. She has been in multiple ensembles since 9 years old. She is a member of Alachua County Youth Orchestra dn the the Joey's Wings String Quartet, in which she fundraises for childhood cancer research.
Isabella Thomas is a 10th grader and began playing cello at 5 years old. She is a dual-enrollment student at Santa Fe College. She studies with Nick Curry, professor of cello at UNF.
Allie Asmus began playing violin at 8 and viola at 13 years old. She has won the Tampa Young Artist Competition the past 2 years. She is a violist in Alachua County Youth Orchestra and enjoys performing for assisted living centers and performing for local rodeo events.
King Music Education Scholarship: Melody Morrison (FSU), student of Diana Dumlavwalla
Melody Morrison, NCTM is a Ph.D. candidate in the Piano Pedagogy program at Florida State University. She teaches undergraduate class piano as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and serves as President of MTNA@FSU, the collegiate chapter of the Music Teachers National Association at Florida State University.
Local and District Presidents Community Service Award for Ninth Graders: Paul Wubbena, student of Mara Lauzums
Paul Wubbena attends Edgewood Junior/Senior High School in Merritt Island, Florida. He currently studies piano with Mara Lauzums and Dr. Inesa Gegprifti, and percussion with Brian Slawson. Paul participates in his school band program as a percussionist and jazz pianist. Since 7th grade, he has enjoyed volunteering as an accompanist for the school's middle school and high school choirs for concerts and MPA events. In addition, he volunteers for the school pep band. Within the larger community, Paul volunteers with MusicMDs, an outreach program for local hospitals. Over the years, Paul has participated and placed in many competitive and non-competitive events including Florida MTNA’s Student Day, State Junior/Senior Solo, and District Concerto; FFMC’s Federation; and other state, national, and international competitions, showcases, and master classes. Paul has enjoyed spending his summers immersed in music by attending Frost School of Music Young Musicians Camp, University of Florida Piano Festival, and Brevard Music Center's Piano Institute. He is excited to further explore opportunities to grow as both a solo and collaborative musician and to work with talented mentors and peers.
Community Service Awards for 12th Graders: Bryden Reeves, student of Diana Dumlavwalla
Bryden Reeves began piano lessons at age 4 and continues to pursue piano to this day. In middle school, Bryden joined band and started to play the oboe. She then studied in lessons for both piano and oboe. In high school, she joined percussion and drumline. She would go on to join the Leon Roarin’ Jazz Band on piano. In her sophomore year, she was introduced to composing at the FSU summer music camp. When the Loan Percussion Ensemble was selected to perform at the FMEA, her band director chose her piece to be featured and conducted by her. She composed a symphonic piece which was played by the Tallahassee Youth Orchestra and conducted by Bryden on the Ruby Diamond Stage at FSU. A percussion piece she composed was performed by percussion at the TYO in Opperman Music Hall at FSU.In February of her senior year, her fifth world premier occurred on Ruby Diamond Stage with the TYO’s brass and percussion as the featured piece for the concert.
*** 1st Prize winners of the State Concerto Competition
Piano Junior: Yuntian (Raphael) Wu (D3, studio of Declan Tse)
Yuntian Wu "Raphael" has been learning to play the piano for six years. He enjoys sharing music with people. Besides playing the piano, he loves programming, reading, swimming and playing video games.
Yuntian Wu "Raphael" has been learning to play the piano for six years. He enjoys sharing music with people. Besides playing the piano, he loves programming, reading, swimming and playing video games.
Piano Intermediate: Ziming Pan (D3, studio of Hong Lin)
Ziming Pan started learning playing piano when he was 4 years old. He passed Central Conservatory of Music Level 10 test in 2021 in China and in the same year he got Merit result in Piano diploma ARM (Associate of the Royal Schools of Music). He came to United States In November 2021, began to learn with professor Hong Lin. Ziming won gold prize in both 8th and 9th Talented Young Musician Olympia Competition, attended the recital in Carnegie Hall and Kaufman Music Center’s Merkin Hall in New York. He won 3rd Place in Rocky Mountain Composition Competition (Junior Category, 13-14 years old) in Spring Season 2022 with the song name Brotherhood, which is composed for Ukraine and Russia’s conflict. The work can be viewed by https://youtu.be/AzLiKOxdhN4. He also got the honorable mention in the keyboard
competition. In April 2022, Ziming got 2nd place in Tampa Young Artist Competition and Festival (14-15 years old group).
Currently Ziming Pan serves as a volunteer of piano accompanist and live sound technician in Sunshine Choir. Performance with Sunshine Choir in Gainesville, Orlando, and Tampa areas. In charge of Assembling, operating, and maintaining the technical equipment used to amplify, enhance or reproduce sound in live performance shows, such as Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration Activity or Chinese Lunar New Year Performance.
Ziming Pan started learning playing piano when he was 4 years old. He passed Central Conservatory of Music Level 10 test in 2021 in China and in the same year he got Merit result in Piano diploma ARM (Associate of the Royal Schools of Music). He came to United States In November 2021, began to learn with professor Hong Lin. Ziming won gold prize in both 8th and 9th Talented Young Musician Olympia Competition, attended the recital in Carnegie Hall and Kaufman Music Center’s Merkin Hall in New York. He won 3rd Place in Rocky Mountain Composition Competition (Junior Category, 13-14 years old) in Spring Season 2022 with the song name Brotherhood, which is composed for Ukraine and Russia’s conflict. The work can be viewed by https://youtu.be/AzLiKOxdhN4. He also got the honorable mention in the keyboard
competition. In April 2022, Ziming got 2nd place in Tampa Young Artist Competition and Festival (14-15 years old group).
Currently Ziming Pan serves as a volunteer of piano accompanist and live sound technician in Sunshine Choir. Performance with Sunshine Choir in Gainesville, Orlando, and Tampa areas. In charge of Assembling, operating, and maintaining the technical equipment used to amplify, enhance or reproduce sound in live performance shows, such as Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration Activity or Chinese Lunar New Year Performance.
Piano Senior: Timothy Yu (D6, studio of Maria Gomez)
Timothy Yu is currently a junior in Suncoast High School and is studying with Maria Gomez for piano. He enjoys several other hobbies, including art, coding, and chess. He hopes to enroll into a prestigious college for computer science.
Timothy Yu is currently a junior in Suncoast High School and is studying with Maria Gomez for piano. He enjoys several other hobbies, including art, coding, and chess. He hopes to enroll into a prestigious college for computer science.
String Junior: Amanda Nunez (D6, studio of Huifang Chen)
Amanda Nunez is 9 years old, born in Florida. She started playing the violin at the age of 3 and the piano at the age of 4. She is a member of Principal Orchestra first violin section of Florida Youth Orchestra. She has won several competitions including HeartOut international strings competition 2020, Japan piano competition 2021, Aegio International Piano Competition 2021, Florida Federation of Music Club Junior Convention since 2019 and she was nominated for the Irene Muir Memorial Award in 2022. Amanda currently studies the violin with Ms. Huifang Chen.
She enjoys drawing, playing basketball, mathematics, and reading novels in her spare time
Amanda Nunez is 9 years old, born in Florida. She started playing the violin at the age of 3 and the piano at the age of 4. She is a member of Principal Orchestra first violin section of Florida Youth Orchestra. She has won several competitions including HeartOut international strings competition 2020, Japan piano competition 2021, Aegio International Piano Competition 2021, Florida Federation of Music Club Junior Convention since 2019 and she was nominated for the Irene Muir Memorial Award in 2022. Amanda currently studies the violin with Ms. Huifang Chen.
She enjoys drawing, playing basketball, mathematics, and reading novels in her spare time
String Intermediate: Mia Hakkarainen (D6, studio of Huifang Chen)
I have been playing the violin as long as I can remember and I love it! I am currently a sophomore at Dreyfoos School of the Arts and I am a first violinist in the Philharmonic orchestra and also enjoy the chamber music class. I have been to All State each year since 7th grade and I also have been fortunate to be an award winner at FFMC through the years in various events such as solo, duet, concerto and sight reading. I also have been a first violinist at the New World Symphony Side by Side program for students. I also enjoy playing with several community orchestras in the area. Recently I won third place in the Alhambra Competition and performed the Bruch Violin Concert 1st movement with orchestra. It was an amazing experience. Violin repertoire challenges me to grow to the next level each time I learn a new piece and I continue to grow and become more skilled in my art. I am currently studying in the studio of Ms. Huifang Chen.
I have been playing the violin as long as I can remember and I love it! I am currently a sophomore at Dreyfoos School of the Arts and I am a first violinist in the Philharmonic orchestra and also enjoy the chamber music class. I have been to All State each year since 7th grade and I also have been fortunate to be an award winner at FFMC through the years in various events such as solo, duet, concerto and sight reading. I also have been a first violinist at the New World Symphony Side by Side program for students. I also enjoy playing with several community orchestras in the area. Recently I won third place in the Alhambra Competition and performed the Bruch Violin Concert 1st movement with orchestra. It was an amazing experience. Violin repertoire challenges me to grow to the next level each time I learn a new piece and I continue to grow and become more skilled in my art. I am currently studying in the studio of Ms. Huifang Chen.
String Senior: Raveena Cherry (D6, studio of Huifang Chen)
Raveena Cherry is sixteen years old and has been playing the violin since the age of four. She is a junior at Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach. In October 2022, she won first place at the Alhambra Concerto Competition and went on to perform with the Alhambra orchestra as a soloist in January 2023. Since September 2022, she has led the Dreyfoos Philharmonic Orchestra as the concertmaster. In March 2022, she won first place at the District 6 Florida State Music Teacher Association concerto competition and went on to win second place at the state level. Raveena currently studies with Ms. Huifang Chen.
Raveena has been selected to play in the FMEA’s All State Conference since the 7th Grade. In January 2022, she won the concertmaster position for the 9-10th Grade All State Orchestra. When she attended the Bak Middle School of the Arts (2017-2020), she performed as the soloist in Vivaldi’s Autumn Concerto from Four Seasons with the Bak Advanced Orchestra. She has participated in the Florida Federation of Music Clubs (2016-present) and has won both first place and honorable mentions throughout the years. Raveena was concertmaster of the All County 6-8th Grade Orchestra for two years.
Raveena is also an accomplished dancer in Bharatanatyam (Indian classical), bollywood, and bhangra. She has performed at various venues, including the FTX Arena for the Primetime performance at a Miami Heat game (2022). In 2019, Raveena took part in the Perlman Music Program/Suncoast conducted by the renowned violinist, Itzhak Perlman. Raveena played in the Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County for six years and has been the concertmaster of both the Strings and Symphony Orchestra. In April 2022, she was selected to participate in the first violin section of New World Symphony’s Side by Side Orchestra.
Raveena Cherry is sixteen years old and has been playing the violin since the age of four. She is a junior at Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach. In October 2022, she won first place at the Alhambra Concerto Competition and went on to perform with the Alhambra orchestra as a soloist in January 2023. Since September 2022, she has led the Dreyfoos Philharmonic Orchestra as the concertmaster. In March 2022, she won first place at the District 6 Florida State Music Teacher Association concerto competition and went on to win second place at the state level. Raveena currently studies with Ms. Huifang Chen.
Raveena has been selected to play in the FMEA’s All State Conference since the 7th Grade. In January 2022, she won the concertmaster position for the 9-10th Grade All State Orchestra. When she attended the Bak Middle School of the Arts (2017-2020), she performed as the soloist in Vivaldi’s Autumn Concerto from Four Seasons with the Bak Advanced Orchestra. She has participated in the Florida Federation of Music Clubs (2016-present) and has won both first place and honorable mentions throughout the years. Raveena was concertmaster of the All County 6-8th Grade Orchestra for two years.
Raveena is also an accomplished dancer in Bharatanatyam (Indian classical), bollywood, and bhangra. She has performed at various venues, including the FTX Arena for the Primetime performance at a Miami Heat game (2022). In 2019, Raveena took part in the Perlman Music Program/Suncoast conducted by the renowned violinist, Itzhak Perlman. Raveena played in the Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County for six years and has been the concertmaster of both the Strings and Symphony Orchestra. In April 2022, she was selected to participate in the first violin section of New World Symphony’s Side by Side Orchestra.
Brass Intermediate: Andrew Roberts (D1, studio of Ingrid Roberts)
- 1st Chair Trombone - 2023 Carnegie Hall Honors Performance Series National High School Symphonic Band,
- 4th Chair Trombone - 2023 Sousa National High School Honor Band,
- 3rd Chair Trombone - 2023 Florida All State Concert Band,
- 2nd Chair Trombone - 2023 Okaloosa All County Honor Band,
- Trombone - 2021 Florida All State Virtual Band,
- Co-1st Chair Trombone, 2022-2023 Niceville High School Wind Symphony
- Co-1st Chair Trombone, 2022-2023 Niceville High Jazz One Band,
- Trombone Squad Leader, 2022-2023 Niceville High Eagle Pride Marching Band,
- Co-1st Chair Trombone, 2021-2022 Sinfonia Youth Orchestra,
- 1st Chair Trombone, 2023 Fort Walton Beach Florida Stake Orchestra,
- 1st Chair Trombone, 2023 Northwest Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra,
- Selected as Trombone - 2023 Honor Band of America (unable to attend)
Brass Senior: Thomas Roberts (D1, studio of Ingrid Roberts)
Tommy Roberts is a Senior at Niceville High School. He is Principal Trumpet of the NHS Wind Symphony, Trumpet Section Leader & Trumpet Soloist of the Eagle Pride Marching Band, Lead Trumpet of the NHS Jazz One Band, and NHS Band President. Tommy placed and performed as 1st Chair Trumpet of the 2023 Carnegie Hall Honors Performance Series National High School Band at Carnegie Hall, the 2022 Sousa National High School Honor Band in Mechanics Hall, the 2022 Okaloosa County Honor Band, the 2021-22 Sinfonia Youth Orchestra, the 2022 BYU Summerfest Band, the 2022 BYU Summerfest Orchestra, the 2021-22 Fort Walton Beach Stake Orchestra, and 2nd/3rd Trumpet of the 2022 Florida FMEA All-State Orchestra. He is a 2nd Place Winner of the 2023 First Coast Wind Symphony Concerto Competition and a Finalist of the 2021 & 2022 Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition. With great honor, Tommy performed at the 2020 Southeast US Honor Band Conference and the 2020 FMEA All-State President's Honors Concert. Tommy was featured as soloist at the 2022 FBA District & State Concert Band MPA with the NHS Wind Symphony and the 2022 FBA Marching Band MPA with the NHS Eagle Pride Marching Band, receiving Straight Superiors with Distinction. He has received Superior Ratings for 2017-2022 FBA Solo & Ensemble and the 2022 FFMC Festival for Trumpet Solo. Tommy won 1st Place in the FSMTA District 1 Brass Concerto Competition and 1st Place in the Brass Division of the University of West Florida Music Study Competition. He was recently honored to make the High School Division Quarterfinals of the 2023 National Trumpet Competition (NTC). In addition to his musical accomplishments, Tommy is graduating with an unweighted 4.0, as a Florida Academic Scholar with Summa Cum Laude Honors, an AP Scholar, a Florida Sunshine State STEM Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, Senior Class Vice President, a 3 Year NHS Lacrosse Player, an NWF State College Math Bowl Mathlete, NHS Homecoming King, and NHS Class of 2023 Hall of Fame Inductee. Tommy enjoys serving in the Youth Leadership at his church, with Boy Scouts of America, and with Helping Hands/Crisis Cleanup Hurricane Relief.
Tommy Roberts is a Senior at Niceville High School. He is Principal Trumpet of the NHS Wind Symphony, Trumpet Section Leader & Trumpet Soloist of the Eagle Pride Marching Band, Lead Trumpet of the NHS Jazz One Band, and NHS Band President. Tommy placed and performed as 1st Chair Trumpet of the 2023 Carnegie Hall Honors Performance Series National High School Band at Carnegie Hall, the 2022 Sousa National High School Honor Band in Mechanics Hall, the 2022 Okaloosa County Honor Band, the 2021-22 Sinfonia Youth Orchestra, the 2022 BYU Summerfest Band, the 2022 BYU Summerfest Orchestra, the 2021-22 Fort Walton Beach Stake Orchestra, and 2nd/3rd Trumpet of the 2022 Florida FMEA All-State Orchestra. He is a 2nd Place Winner of the 2023 First Coast Wind Symphony Concerto Competition and a Finalist of the 2021 & 2022 Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition. With great honor, Tommy performed at the 2020 Southeast US Honor Band Conference and the 2020 FMEA All-State President's Honors Concert. Tommy was featured as soloist at the 2022 FBA District & State Concert Band MPA with the NHS Wind Symphony and the 2022 FBA Marching Band MPA with the NHS Eagle Pride Marching Band, receiving Straight Superiors with Distinction. He has received Superior Ratings for 2017-2022 FBA Solo & Ensemble and the 2022 FFMC Festival for Trumpet Solo. Tommy won 1st Place in the FSMTA District 1 Brass Concerto Competition and 1st Place in the Brass Division of the University of West Florida Music Study Competition. He was recently honored to make the High School Division Quarterfinals of the 2023 National Trumpet Competition (NTC). In addition to his musical accomplishments, Tommy is graduating with an unweighted 4.0, as a Florida Academic Scholar with Summa Cum Laude Honors, an AP Scholar, a Florida Sunshine State STEM Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, Senior Class Vice President, a 3 Year NHS Lacrosse Player, an NWF State College Math Bowl Mathlete, NHS Homecoming King, and NHS Class of 2023 Hall of Fame Inductee. Tommy enjoys serving in the Youth Leadership at his church, with Boy Scouts of America, and with Helping Hands/Crisis Cleanup Hurricane Relief.
Voice Senior: Jade Rojas (D7, studio of Jeanie Darnell)
Jade is a 17-year-old senior at North Fort Myers High School. Jade is very passionate about music, she has been part of her school jazz band, symphonic band, percussion, and marching band. She has played piano, synthesizer, trombone, bass drum and auxiliary percussion. She is currently part of her school Advanced Women's Choir, Mixed Choir and Treble Choir, but Jade's true passion is singing classical music. She has performed in opera productions as chorister with Opera Naples and GulfShore Opera. Last year she played the lead role of Penny in Sarasota Youth Opera production "The secret world of Og" and Cousin Hebe in Opera Naples youth production "H.M.S Pinafore". She has attended Interlochen, ArtsBridge and Boston University Tanglewood Institute summer camps. She has participated in many voice competitions where she has placed first and second place. It is Jade's goal to major in vocal performance and is her dream to travel the world as an ambassador for Opera.
Jade is a 17-year-old senior at North Fort Myers High School. Jade is very passionate about music, she has been part of her school jazz band, symphonic band, percussion, and marching band. She has played piano, synthesizer, trombone, bass drum and auxiliary percussion. She is currently part of her school Advanced Women's Choir, Mixed Choir and Treble Choir, but Jade's true passion is singing classical music. She has performed in opera productions as chorister with Opera Naples and GulfShore Opera. Last year she played the lead role of Penny in Sarasota Youth Opera production "The secret world of Og" and Cousin Hebe in Opera Naples youth production "H.M.S Pinafore". She has attended Interlochen, ArtsBridge and Boston University Tanglewood Institute summer camps. She has participated in many voice competitions where she has placed first and second place. It is Jade's goal to major in vocal performance and is her dream to travel the world as an ambassador for Opera.