Winners
2018 Florida MTNA Competition Winners
[Photos and bios found below list of winners]
JR Piano Winner: Madison Yan (also JR Chopin)
Teacher: Irena Kofman
JR String Winner: George Lawson
Teacher: Lev Gurevich
SR Piano Winner: Jonathan Reichenberger
Teacher: Maria Gomez
SR Chopin Prize: Shixuan Zhou
Teacher: Irena Kofman
SR String Winner: Sahana Shravan
Teacher: Huifang Chen
SR Wind Winner: Audrey Li
Teacher: Nora Garcia
YA Piano Winner: Christina Lai
Teacher: Stijn De Cock
YA String Winner: Josefina Guzman
Teacher: Shannon Thomas
YA Brass Winner: Connor Holland
Teacher: Christopher Moore
YA Wind Winner: Eric Stults
Teacher Geoffrey Deibel
YA Voice Winner: Joyce Camille Hernandez
Teacher: JoAnne Stephenson
Chamber Wind Winners: UCF Saxophone Quartet
Teacher: George Werumchuk
[Photos and bios found below list of winners]
JR Piano Winner: Madison Yan (also JR Chopin)
Teacher: Irena Kofman
JR String Winner: George Lawson
Teacher: Lev Gurevich
SR Piano Winner: Jonathan Reichenberger
Teacher: Maria Gomez
SR Chopin Prize: Shixuan Zhou
Teacher: Irena Kofman
SR String Winner: Sahana Shravan
Teacher: Huifang Chen
SR Wind Winner: Audrey Li
Teacher: Nora Garcia
YA Piano Winner: Christina Lai
Teacher: Stijn De Cock
YA String Winner: Josefina Guzman
Teacher: Shannon Thomas
YA Brass Winner: Connor Holland
Teacher: Christopher Moore
YA Wind Winner: Eric Stults
Teacher Geoffrey Deibel
YA Voice Winner: Joyce Camille Hernandez
Teacher: JoAnne Stephenson
Chamber Wind Winners: UCF Saxophone Quartet
Teacher: George Werumchuk
JR Piano Winner: Madison Yan (also JR Chopin)
Teacher: Irena Kofman
Madison Yan is a 10th grade student at Dreyfoos High School of the Arts, majoring in Piano. She started studying piano at the age of five. At age seven, Madison began studying with Mr. Phillip Evans and continued her studies with Dr. Irena Kofman in 2012. Since 2016, she started having piano lessons with Prof. Kevin P. Kenner. Since 2014.Madison has won numerous awards from local events, state, and international competitions. She has won the Florida Federation Music Club concerto competition four years in a row since 2014 and won the first place in senior division in 2017. She attained the 3rd place in Piano Concerto Competition (all ages) in 2016 International Keyboard Odyssiad & Festival (Fort Collins, Colorado). She won Florida State Music Teachers Association Concerto Competition Junior Division, 1st Place in State 2016 and Intermediate Division in 2018. Her orchestra debut was in 2017 with Great Miami Youth Orchestra (GMYO). In February 2018, she played Beethoven Concerto No. 5 with Alhambra Orchestra as the Alhambra Concerto Competition (all instruments) winner. In addition, she is actively involved in local community events and plays piano for fundraiser or senior communities. She also performed at the Chopin Foundation recital in April and FFMC Junior Convention in May. 2018.
Teacher: Irena Kofman
Madison Yan is a 10th grade student at Dreyfoos High School of the Arts, majoring in Piano. She started studying piano at the age of five. At age seven, Madison began studying with Mr. Phillip Evans and continued her studies with Dr. Irena Kofman in 2012. Since 2016, she started having piano lessons with Prof. Kevin P. Kenner. Since 2014.Madison has won numerous awards from local events, state, and international competitions. She has won the Florida Federation Music Club concerto competition four years in a row since 2014 and won the first place in senior division in 2017. She attained the 3rd place in Piano Concerto Competition (all ages) in 2016 International Keyboard Odyssiad & Festival (Fort Collins, Colorado). She won Florida State Music Teachers Association Concerto Competition Junior Division, 1st Place in State 2016 and Intermediate Division in 2018. Her orchestra debut was in 2017 with Great Miami Youth Orchestra (GMYO). In February 2018, she played Beethoven Concerto No. 5 with Alhambra Orchestra as the Alhambra Concerto Competition (all instruments) winner. In addition, she is actively involved in local community events and plays piano for fundraiser or senior communities. She also performed at the Chopin Foundation recital in April and FFMC Junior Convention in May. 2018.
SR Piano Winner: Jonathan Reichenberger
Teacher: Maria Gomez
Jonathan Reichenberger has been playing the piano since he was four years old, and since then, Jonathan has received numerous local, state, regional, and international awards. He was the first place winner of the 2012 FSMTA District VI Concerto Competition Senior Division. In March 2012, Jonathan was a winner of the International Young Musicians Festival which earned him a performance at the Carnegie Hall in New York. At the 2013 MTNA Southern Division Junior Piano Performance Competition in North Carolina, Jonathan was awarded Alternate. At the 2014 and 2015 MTNA Southern Division Junior Piano Competition, he was awarded Honorable Mention. In October 2014, Jonathan was the first place winner in the Louisiana International Piano Junior Competition. Also, Jonathan was the second place winner in the 2015 SEPF Arthur Fraser International Piano Competition, as well as second place winner in the 2016 Lee University International Piano Competition. This past summer, he was awarded second place winner in the Oberlin Summer Piano Competition. Jonathan is a six-time MTNA Florida state winner since sixth grade, and he was a 2017 MTNA national finalist in the Senior Piano Competition.
Teacher: Maria Gomez
Jonathan Reichenberger has been playing the piano since he was four years old, and since then, Jonathan has received numerous local, state, regional, and international awards. He was the first place winner of the 2012 FSMTA District VI Concerto Competition Senior Division. In March 2012, Jonathan was a winner of the International Young Musicians Festival which earned him a performance at the Carnegie Hall in New York. At the 2013 MTNA Southern Division Junior Piano Performance Competition in North Carolina, Jonathan was awarded Alternate. At the 2014 and 2015 MTNA Southern Division Junior Piano Competition, he was awarded Honorable Mention. In October 2014, Jonathan was the first place winner in the Louisiana International Piano Junior Competition. Also, Jonathan was the second place winner in the 2015 SEPF Arthur Fraser International Piano Competition, as well as second place winner in the 2016 Lee University International Piano Competition. This past summer, he was awarded second place winner in the Oberlin Summer Piano Competition. Jonathan is a six-time MTNA Florida state winner since sixth grade, and he was a 2017 MTNA national finalist in the Senior Piano Competition.
SR String Winner: Sahana Shravan
Teacher: Huifang Chen
Sahana is a resident of Boca Raton, FL and a senior at the Alexander W Dreyfoos School of the Arts (DSOA) in West Palm Beach, FL. Sahana started her violin studies at the age of 3 with Mr. Richard Coff, at the Suzuki Music Academy in Davie, FL. She currently studies with Ms.Huifang Chen in Coral Springs, FL. Sahana has also participated in master classes with Sergiu Schwartz, Daniel Andai, and Elmar Oliveira.
Sahana has won numerous concerto competitions. Sahana was a winner at the American Protégé Competition and was a solo performer at Carnegie Hall - Weill Hall in 2014. Sahana won 1st place at the District VI FSMTA Senior Strings Competition, held in March 2018. She received Honorable Mention at the 2018 New World Side by Side Concerto Competition in both 2017 and 2018. She won the Florida MTNA (Music Teachers National Association)Senior Strings Competition 2016, and she represented Florida at the Regional MTNA competition held in January 2017, where she was awarded Honorable Mention. Sahana was 1st place winner at the 2016 Greater Miami Youth Symphony (GMYS) Concerto Competition, the 2016 Alexander W Dreyfoos School of the Arts Concerto Competition, and the 2016 Florida Youth Symphony (FYO) Concerto Competition. She has been selected for the Florida Allstate Convention since 7th grade, and has been selected by audition to fill positions of leadership in the orchestra for many of those years. Sahana has been the concertmaster of the Greater Miami Youth Symphony since 2016, and she is a section leader and co-president of the A.W. Dreyfoos Philharmonic Orchestra. Since her freshman year, she has been the first violinist of the Piacevole String Quartet, performing with her peers at both school events and events around the South Florida area. She also co-founded and is co-concertmaster of the Apollo Symphony Chamber Orchestra, a student-run group that rehearses and performs works. For the past two summers, Sahana attended the Killington Music Festival summer program, in Killington, VT, where she committed to intense study of both solo and chamber works with other musicians her age.
Sahana enjoys volunteering for the non-profit organization Mind and Melody, reading, mentoring peers in mathematics through the Math Honor Society at DSOA, and exploring world music genre.Sahana aspires to conduct research to study the interconnected fields of music, medicine, and mathematics.
Teacher: Huifang Chen
Sahana is a resident of Boca Raton, FL and a senior at the Alexander W Dreyfoos School of the Arts (DSOA) in West Palm Beach, FL. Sahana started her violin studies at the age of 3 with Mr. Richard Coff, at the Suzuki Music Academy in Davie, FL. She currently studies with Ms.Huifang Chen in Coral Springs, FL. Sahana has also participated in master classes with Sergiu Schwartz, Daniel Andai, and Elmar Oliveira.
Sahana has won numerous concerto competitions. Sahana was a winner at the American Protégé Competition and was a solo performer at Carnegie Hall - Weill Hall in 2014. Sahana won 1st place at the District VI FSMTA Senior Strings Competition, held in March 2018. She received Honorable Mention at the 2018 New World Side by Side Concerto Competition in both 2017 and 2018. She won the Florida MTNA (Music Teachers National Association)Senior Strings Competition 2016, and she represented Florida at the Regional MTNA competition held in January 2017, where she was awarded Honorable Mention. Sahana was 1st place winner at the 2016 Greater Miami Youth Symphony (GMYS) Concerto Competition, the 2016 Alexander W Dreyfoos School of the Arts Concerto Competition, and the 2016 Florida Youth Symphony (FYO) Concerto Competition. She has been selected for the Florida Allstate Convention since 7th grade, and has been selected by audition to fill positions of leadership in the orchestra for many of those years. Sahana has been the concertmaster of the Greater Miami Youth Symphony since 2016, and she is a section leader and co-president of the A.W. Dreyfoos Philharmonic Orchestra. Since her freshman year, she has been the first violinist of the Piacevole String Quartet, performing with her peers at both school events and events around the South Florida area. She also co-founded and is co-concertmaster of the Apollo Symphony Chamber Orchestra, a student-run group that rehearses and performs works. For the past two summers, Sahana attended the Killington Music Festival summer program, in Killington, VT, where she committed to intense study of both solo and chamber works with other musicians her age.
Sahana enjoys volunteering for the non-profit organization Mind and Melody, reading, mentoring peers in mathematics through the Math Honor Society at DSOA, and exploring world music genre.Sahana aspires to conduct research to study the interconnected fields of music, medicine, and mathematics.
SR Wind Winner: Audrey Li
Teacher: Nora Garcia
Audrey Li is a hardworking high school freshman and fearless when it comes to fighting for what she wants to achieve. Music has always been a huge part in her life beginning from a very early age, but she also balances it with academics. In her free time, she enjoys a variety of extra-curricular activities at school such as robotics as well as hobbies at home such as fencing, swimming, and writing. No matter what road she decides to take in the future, she knows she will continue to play the flute.
Teacher: Nora Garcia
Audrey Li is a hardworking high school freshman and fearless when it comes to fighting for what she wants to achieve. Music has always been a huge part in her life beginning from a very early age, but she also balances it with academics. In her free time, she enjoys a variety of extra-curricular activities at school such as robotics as well as hobbies at home such as fencing, swimming, and writing. No matter what road she decides to take in the future, she knows she will continue to play the flute.
YA String Winner: Josefina Guzman
Teacher: Shannon Thomas
Born in Switzerland in 2004, George started the violin at the age of 6. Since moving to the U.S. in 2014, he has been taught by Lev Gurevich. He has been a member of the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra since 2015 and participated on their 2017 European tour with performances in Vienna (Musikverein), Salzburg (Mozarteum) and Prague. This year, the orchestra performed at New York's Carnegie Hall and plan to tour China in 2019.
Teacher: Shannon Thomas
Born in Switzerland in 2004, George started the violin at the age of 6. Since moving to the U.S. in 2014, he has been taught by Lev Gurevich. He has been a member of the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra since 2015 and participated on their 2017 European tour with performances in Vienna (Musikverein), Salzburg (Mozarteum) and Prague. This year, the orchestra performed at New York's Carnegie Hall and plan to tour China in 2019.
YA Brass Winner: Connor Holland
Teacher: Christopher Moore
A native of Fernandina Beach, Florida, Connor is an instrumental music education major at Florida State University, where he studies under Dr. Christopher Moore. Connor is a graduate of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Jacksonville, Florida. During that time he was a member of the Wind Symphony that performed at the Midwest Clinic and in Carnegie Hall. He was also a four year member of the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra. Throughout high school he studied under Hunter Eberly, current principal trumpet of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Connor has also studied with Scott Thornburg while attending Bay View Summer Music Institute in Petoskey, Michigan. While studying at FSU, he has been the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships; first place in the Bryan Goff Trumpet Competition, multiple International Trumpet Guild Scholarships, Second Place in the National Trumpet Competition trumpet ensemble division, and semifinalist in the National Trumpet Competition solo division. He has also performed with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra.
Connor has a passion for community service. He is currently completing his student teaching at Fernandina Beach Middle School. He will graduate from FSU in December 2018 with a BME.
Teacher: Christopher Moore
A native of Fernandina Beach, Florida, Connor is an instrumental music education major at Florida State University, where he studies under Dr. Christopher Moore. Connor is a graduate of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Jacksonville, Florida. During that time he was a member of the Wind Symphony that performed at the Midwest Clinic and in Carnegie Hall. He was also a four year member of the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra. Throughout high school he studied under Hunter Eberly, current principal trumpet of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Connor has also studied with Scott Thornburg while attending Bay View Summer Music Institute in Petoskey, Michigan. While studying at FSU, he has been the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships; first place in the Bryan Goff Trumpet Competition, multiple International Trumpet Guild Scholarships, Second Place in the National Trumpet Competition trumpet ensemble division, and semifinalist in the National Trumpet Competition solo division. He has also performed with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra.
Connor has a passion for community service. He is currently completing his student teaching at Fernandina Beach Middle School. He will graduate from FSU in December 2018 with a BME.
YA Wind Winner: Eric Stults
Teacher Geoffrey Deibel
Eric Stults is from Moore, Oklahoma. Eric has studied, been in masterclasses, and taken lessons with many great saxophonists including Jeffery Loeffert, Katherine Weintraub, Brian Gorrell, Heath Jones, Jonathon Nichol, Geoffrey Deibel, Vincent David, Zach Shemon, Stephen Page, David Dees, Joe Girad, Project Fusion saxophone quartet, Nathan Nabb, Chris Creviston, Joe Luloff . Eric has been in the OSU wind ensemble, OSU Jazz Orchestra, the OSU saxophone octet, the Knoblock Project Saxophone Quartet, the Indarra Saxophone quartet, and the Pyrrhic Saxophone Quartet. Eric has played in a number of conferences and competitions throughout his career including the American Single Reed summit, the Midwest Clinic, the Navy band saxophone symposium conference, the Oklahoma Music Educators association, the North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial quartet competition finals, the regional North American Saxophone Alliance conference, and the Music Teachers National Association Chamber music competition finals.
Teacher Geoffrey Deibel
Eric Stults is from Moore, Oklahoma. Eric has studied, been in masterclasses, and taken lessons with many great saxophonists including Jeffery Loeffert, Katherine Weintraub, Brian Gorrell, Heath Jones, Jonathon Nichol, Geoffrey Deibel, Vincent David, Zach Shemon, Stephen Page, David Dees, Joe Girad, Project Fusion saxophone quartet, Nathan Nabb, Chris Creviston, Joe Luloff . Eric has been in the OSU wind ensemble, OSU Jazz Orchestra, the OSU saxophone octet, the Knoblock Project Saxophone Quartet, the Indarra Saxophone quartet, and the Pyrrhic Saxophone Quartet. Eric has played in a number of conferences and competitions throughout his career including the American Single Reed summit, the Midwest Clinic, the Navy band saxophone symposium conference, the Oklahoma Music Educators association, the North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial quartet competition finals, the regional North American Saxophone Alliance conference, and the Music Teachers National Association Chamber music competition finals.
YA Voice Winner: Joyce Camille Hernandez
Teacher: JoAnne Stephenson
Joyce Camille Hernandez, 20, is a resident of Lake Mary, FL and a junior at University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, FL. She is a soprano vocalist and has been studying with Dr. JoAnne Stephenson for two years. She is a music education major with a focus in choral teaching as well as a vocal performance major. She is a member of UCF’s CNAfME chapter and president of UCF’s ACDA chapter. She has performed as Ciesca in “Gianni Schicchi” and “Buoso’s Ghost” in UCF’s Op-Shop. Joyce has received her Associate of Arts degree from Seminole State College in December 2016. She was a recipient of the Laurel Sue Ellmore Music Scholarship in 2015. Previous competitions include receiving second place in Florida’s NATS Competition in the “Lower Second Year College Musical Theatre Women” category and runner-up/alternative in Florida’s MTNA YA Voice Competition in 2017. Along with being involved in competitions and choirs at UCF, Joyce is a kids ministry intern at Faith Assembly of God as well as a voice and piano instructor at Lochwood Academy for the Performing Arts in Sanford, FL. She would like to thank everyone for their love and support throughout her musical career and a special thank you to Dr. Stephenson for providing her with guidance and support to shape her into the musician she is today.
Teacher: JoAnne Stephenson
Joyce Camille Hernandez, 20, is a resident of Lake Mary, FL and a junior at University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, FL. She is a soprano vocalist and has been studying with Dr. JoAnne Stephenson for two years. She is a music education major with a focus in choral teaching as well as a vocal performance major. She is a member of UCF’s CNAfME chapter and president of UCF’s ACDA chapter. She has performed as Ciesca in “Gianni Schicchi” and “Buoso’s Ghost” in UCF’s Op-Shop. Joyce has received her Associate of Arts degree from Seminole State College in December 2016. She was a recipient of the Laurel Sue Ellmore Music Scholarship in 2015. Previous competitions include receiving second place in Florida’s NATS Competition in the “Lower Second Year College Musical Theatre Women” category and runner-up/alternative in Florida’s MTNA YA Voice Competition in 2017. Along with being involved in competitions and choirs at UCF, Joyce is a kids ministry intern at Faith Assembly of God as well as a voice and piano instructor at Lochwood Academy for the Performing Arts in Sanford, FL. She would like to thank everyone for their love and support throughout her musical career and a special thank you to Dr. Stephenson for providing her with guidance and support to shape her into the musician she is today.
Chamber Wind Winners: UCF Saxophone Quartet
Teacher: George Werumchuk
The Knights Saxophone Quartet comprise of members, Jade Deatherage, Najee Lee, Noah Mosca, and Dylan Hannan. They have been enjoying playing music together for three years under the instruction of UCF Saxophone Professor, George Weremchuk. In addition to this quartet, these members also perform in a variety of ensembles, including the UCF Wind Ensemble, UCF Symphony Orchestra, New Music Ensemble, jazz combo, and the UCF Flying Horse Big Band.
Teacher: George Werumchuk
The Knights Saxophone Quartet comprise of members, Jade Deatherage, Najee Lee, Noah Mosca, and Dylan Hannan. They have been enjoying playing music together for three years under the instruction of UCF Saxophone Professor, George Weremchuk. In addition to this quartet, these members also perform in a variety of ensembles, including the UCF Wind Ensemble, UCF Symphony Orchestra, New Music Ensemble, jazz combo, and the UCF Flying Horse Big Band.
2018 FSMTA Competitive Events Winners
The 2018 FSMTA Competitive Events were held in DeLand on the campus of Stetson University on May 18th and 19th. All Friday rehearsals and Saturday competitions were held in either Presser Hall or Lee Chapel. Congratulations to the participating districts and their teachers, who hailed from Districts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9. Competitions were held in the following categories: Gray Perry Young Collegiate Piano Competition, Byrd Pre-College Ensemble Competition, and the State Concerto Competition included events at the Junior (Piano, Strings), Intermediate (Piano, Strings, Voice), and Senior (Piano, Strings, Voice) levels. Congratulations to all of this year’s competitors and their teachers and families! Countless hours of work, guidance, and support went into the many fine performances at our competitive events. I highly recommend attending next year’s competitions in Tampa to revel in the wonderful music-making and to marvel at the wonderful teaching that is happening every day across our state.
Erin Bennett, VP for FSMTA Competitive Events
[Photos and bios found below list of winners]
The 2018 FSMTA Competitive Events were held in DeLand on the campus of Stetson University on May 18th and 19th. All Friday rehearsals and Saturday competitions were held in either Presser Hall or Lee Chapel. Congratulations to the participating districts and their teachers, who hailed from Districts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9. Competitions were held in the following categories: Gray Perry Young Collegiate Piano Competition, Byrd Pre-College Ensemble Competition, and the State Concerto Competition included events at the Junior (Piano, Strings), Intermediate (Piano, Strings, Voice), and Senior (Piano, Strings, Voice) levels. Congratulations to all of this year’s competitors and their teachers and families! Countless hours of work, guidance, and support went into the many fine performances at our competitive events. I highly recommend attending next year’s competitions in Tampa to revel in the wonderful music-making and to marvel at the wonderful teaching that is happening every day across our state.
Erin Bennett, VP for FSMTA Competitive Events
[Photos and bios found below list of winners]
The Gray Perry Young Collegiate Piano Competition:
Byrd Pre-College Piano Ensemble Competition:
Junior String Concerto Competition:
Intermediate String Concerto Competition:
Senior String Concerto Competition:
Intermediate Voice Concerto Competition:
Senior Voice Concerto Competition:
Junior Piano Concerto Competition:
Intermediate Piano Concerto Competition:
Senior Piano Concerto Competition:
- Winner (1st Prize) Meiyu Wu, student of Dr. Roberta Rust (District 6): Haydn’s Sonata in E-flat Major, Hob.XVI:52, I., Debussy’s Pour les degrés chromatiques, and Chopin’s Scherzo No. 4.
- Second Prize: Kimia Rafieian (Student of Roberta Rust, District 6)
Byrd Pre-College Piano Ensemble Competition:
- Winner (1st Prize) Madison Yan and Joy Quan, students of Irena Kofman (District 6): Dvořák’s Slavonic Dance, Op. 72, No. 1, Rachmaninoff’s Les Larmes, Poulenc’s Sonata for Four Hands, III.
Junior String Concerto Competition:
- Winner (1st Prize) Alex Cameron, student of Doug Cameron (District 7): Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole, Op. 21, I
- Second Prize: David Xiao, Student of Huifang Chen (District 6)
- Honorable Mentions: Jamie Robinson-Willmott, Student of Helen Kirklin (District 3) & William Guan (District 5)
Intermediate String Concerto Competition:
- Winner (1st Prize) Emily Singleton, Student of Stephen Fine (District 3): Bruch’s Romance for Viola and Orchestra, Op. 85
- Second Prize: Karishma Chapalamadugu, Student of Yan Lu (District 9)
- Honorable Mention: George Lawson, Student of Lev Gurevich (District 5)
Senior String Concerto Competition:
- Winner (1st Prize) Sahana Shravan, Student of Huifeng Chen (District 6): Saint-Saens: Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28
- Second Prize: Breanna Lang, Student of Angelo Goderre (District 4)
- Honorable Mentions: Claire Tseng, Student of Lev Gurevich (District 5) & Daniel Park (District 9)
Intermediate Voice Concerto Competition:
- Winner (1st Prize) Isabella Bank (District 9): Caccini’s Amarilli, mia bella, Arne’s The Lass with the Delicate Air, and Grieg’s Solveig’s Song
Senior Voice Concerto Competition:
- 2nd Prize Emily Mandell, Student of Suzanne Galer-Wert (District 6): Mozart’s Voi che sapete (Le Nozze di Figaro), Bach/Gounod Ave Maria, and Caldara’s Selve Amiche
Junior Piano Concerto Competition:
- Winner (1st Prize) Joseph Wang, Student of Maria Gomez (District 6): Mozart’s Concerto in C Major, K. 246, I.
- Second Prize: Frederic Tu, Student of Peggy Edwards (District 4)
- Honorable Mention: Emmanuell Zheng, Student of Hee Jung Kang (District 3)
Intermediate Piano Concerto Competition:
- Winner (1st Prize) Madison Yan, Student of Irena Kofman (District 6): Beethoven’s Concerto No. 5 in E-flat, Op. 78, I.
- Second Prize: Sophia Chen, Student of Olga Glick (District 9)
- Honorable Mention: Matthew Phan, Student of Mary Lou Krosnick (District 4)
Senior Piano Concerto Competition:
- Winner (1st Prize) Amy Lao, Student of Mary Lou Krosnick (District 4): Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54, I.
- Second Prize: Joy Quan, Student of Irena Kofman (District 6)
- Honorable Mention: Nicole Liang, Student of Satoko Masaki (District 5)
Intermediate Strings Winner
Emily Singleton, Student of Stephen Fine
Emily Singleton, 15, is a freshman homeschool student of the International Music & Languages Academy, studying composition, viola, and piano. She began playing piano at 5, adding violin at 8, and viola at 11. She currently holds the position of Assistant Principal for viola in the Alachua County Youth Orchestra. Emily is a co-founder of Spiro, a competitive string ensemble performing across the state of Florida. Emily is currently studying viola with Stephen Fine.
Emily received Outstanding Instrumental Soloist of the Sacred Music Florida Competition and was named first-place winner of the Florida Federation of Music Clubs Viola Solo and Concerto categories in 2017. She was selected for the Florida State Music Teachers Association District III Honors Recital in 2016, 2017, and 2018, and received 2nd place for the Wendell Irish Viola Award in 2018. Emily has been awarded merit scholarships from Interlochen Center for the Arts, Brevard Music Center, University of Florida, and the Ashley Willwerth Foundation. She has also won the Virginia Clayton Scholarship and Montzka Legacy Award.
Emily was selected to travel with the Alachua County Youth Orchestra in 2016 where she was the Principal Violist at the Disney Performing Arts Festival. She has been a member of the All-State Florida Orchestra in 7th, 8th, and 9th grade, and was named Assistant Principal Violist in 2017. Later that year she was selected to participate in the FSU Chamber Music Seminar and the PMP Super Strings Orchestra, Sarasota Winter Residency program, performing under the baton of Itzhak Perlman.
Emily Singleton, Student of Stephen Fine
Emily Singleton, 15, is a freshman homeschool student of the International Music & Languages Academy, studying composition, viola, and piano. She began playing piano at 5, adding violin at 8, and viola at 11. She currently holds the position of Assistant Principal for viola in the Alachua County Youth Orchestra. Emily is a co-founder of Spiro, a competitive string ensemble performing across the state of Florida. Emily is currently studying viola with Stephen Fine.
Emily received Outstanding Instrumental Soloist of the Sacred Music Florida Competition and was named first-place winner of the Florida Federation of Music Clubs Viola Solo and Concerto categories in 2017. She was selected for the Florida State Music Teachers Association District III Honors Recital in 2016, 2017, and 2018, and received 2nd place for the Wendell Irish Viola Award in 2018. Emily has been awarded merit scholarships from Interlochen Center for the Arts, Brevard Music Center, University of Florida, and the Ashley Willwerth Foundation. She has also won the Virginia Clayton Scholarship and Montzka Legacy Award.
Emily was selected to travel with the Alachua County Youth Orchestra in 2016 where she was the Principal Violist at the Disney Performing Arts Festival. She has been a member of the All-State Florida Orchestra in 7th, 8th, and 9th grade, and was named Assistant Principal Violist in 2017. Later that year she was selected to participate in the FSU Chamber Music Seminar and the PMP Super Strings Orchestra, Sarasota Winter Residency program, performing under the baton of Itzhak Perlman.
Byrd Pre-College Ensemble Piano Competition Winner
Joy Quan, Student of Irena Kofman
Joy Quan, 17, lives in Boynton Beach, Florida and is currently an eleventh grader at Atlantic Community High school. A passionate music lover, she has studied piano since the age of five and currently is a student of Irena Kofman.
During her time playing piano, Joy has won numerous awards and scholarships in multiple competition categories. In 2015, she was awarded the Steinway Young Virtuoso Scholarship Award at the Pompano Beach competition. She was awarded 2nd place in the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition in 2016. In the summer of 2016, she attended Cremona International Music Academy in Cremona, Italy, where she was awarded honorable mention as well as the award for best interpretation of romantic music. In 2017, she won first place in the highest levels of duet and duo at the state competition and was the recipient of the Michael Edwards Piano Ensemble Award along with her ensemble partner Jada Campbell; she has also been nominated twice for the Irene Muir award. In 2018, she was also awarded honorable mention in the Debut International Piano Competition.
Joy hopes others can come to enjoy classical music and seeks to continue sharing her love of music with others in the future.
Joy Quan, Student of Irena Kofman
Joy Quan, 17, lives in Boynton Beach, Florida and is currently an eleventh grader at Atlantic Community High school. A passionate music lover, she has studied piano since the age of five and currently is a student of Irena Kofman.
During her time playing piano, Joy has won numerous awards and scholarships in multiple competition categories. In 2015, she was awarded the Steinway Young Virtuoso Scholarship Award at the Pompano Beach competition. She was awarded 2nd place in the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition in 2016. In the summer of 2016, she attended Cremona International Music Academy in Cremona, Italy, where she was awarded honorable mention as well as the award for best interpretation of romantic music. In 2017, she won first place in the highest levels of duet and duo at the state competition and was the recipient of the Michael Edwards Piano Ensemble Award along with her ensemble partner Jada Campbell; she has also been nominated twice for the Irene Muir award. In 2018, she was also awarded honorable mention in the Debut International Piano Competition.
Joy hopes others can come to enjoy classical music and seeks to continue sharing her love of music with others in the future.
Byrd Pre-College Ensemble Piano Competition Winner
- And -
Intermediate Piano Concerto Competition Winner
Madison Yan, Student of Irena Kofman
Madison Yan is a 9th grade student at Dreyfoos High School of the Arts, majoring in Piano. She started studying piano at the age of five. At age seven, Madison began studying with Mr. Phillip Evans. She continued her studies with Dr. Irena Kofman in 2012. Since 2016, she started having piano lessons with Prof. Kevin P. Kenner. She has also attended classes with Mr. Tao Lin and Dr. Ciro Fodere.
Since 2014. Madison has won numerous awards from local events, state, and international competitions. She has won the Florida Federation Music Club concerto competition four years in a row since 2014 and won first place in the senior division in 2017. She attained 3rd place in the Piano Concerto Competition (all ages) in the 2016 International Keyboard Odyssiad & Festival (Fort Collins, Colorado). She won Florida State Music Teachers Association’s Concerto Competition Junior Division, 1st Place in State and District 2016. Her orchestral debut was in 2017 with Great Miami Youth Orchestra (GMYO). In February 2018, she played the Beethoven Concerto No. 5 with the Alhambra Orchestra as the Alhambra Concerto Competition (all instruments) winner.
In addition, she is actively involved in local community events and plays piano for fundraisers or senior communities. She was invited to perform at the Chopin Foundation recital in April and the FFMC Junior Convention in May.
- And -
Intermediate Piano Concerto Competition Winner
Madison Yan, Student of Irena Kofman
Madison Yan is a 9th grade student at Dreyfoos High School of the Arts, majoring in Piano. She started studying piano at the age of five. At age seven, Madison began studying with Mr. Phillip Evans. She continued her studies with Dr. Irena Kofman in 2012. Since 2016, she started having piano lessons with Prof. Kevin P. Kenner. She has also attended classes with Mr. Tao Lin and Dr. Ciro Fodere.
Since 2014. Madison has won numerous awards from local events, state, and international competitions. She has won the Florida Federation Music Club concerto competition four years in a row since 2014 and won first place in the senior division in 2017. She attained 3rd place in the Piano Concerto Competition (all ages) in the 2016 International Keyboard Odyssiad & Festival (Fort Collins, Colorado). She won Florida State Music Teachers Association’s Concerto Competition Junior Division, 1st Place in State and District 2016. Her orchestral debut was in 2017 with Great Miami Youth Orchestra (GMYO). In February 2018, she played the Beethoven Concerto No. 5 with the Alhambra Orchestra as the Alhambra Concerto Competition (all instruments) winner.
In addition, she is actively involved in local community events and plays piano for fundraisers or senior communities. She was invited to perform at the Chopin Foundation recital in April and the FFMC Junior Convention in May.
Gray Perry Young Collegiate Piano Competition Winner
Meiyu Wu, Student of Dr. Roberta Rust
Pianist Meiyu Wu was awarded the Chopin Prize in the Senior Division of the 2017 MTNA-Florida Competition, the 1st prize of Big Arts Competition and the 1st prize of Gray Perry Competition. Born in China, she began playing the piano at age nine in the Sichuan Conservatory of Music’s Affiliated Primary School. She was invited to participate in music festivals there. Her teachers in Sichuan were Li Chen and Bo Tang and she has participated in master classes of Anton Nel, Alexander Kobrin, Zhaoyi Dan, Sofya Gulyak, Ian Hobson, Aviram Reichert, Boaz Sharon, Michael Tsalka, and Chu-Fang Huang. Meiyu is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Music program at the Lynn University Conservatory of Music in Boca Raton, Florida, where she studies with Roberta Rust.
Meiyu Wu, Student of Dr. Roberta Rust
Pianist Meiyu Wu was awarded the Chopin Prize in the Senior Division of the 2017 MTNA-Florida Competition, the 1st prize of Big Arts Competition and the 1st prize of Gray Perry Competition. Born in China, she began playing the piano at age nine in the Sichuan Conservatory of Music’s Affiliated Primary School. She was invited to participate in music festivals there. Her teachers in Sichuan were Li Chen and Bo Tang and she has participated in master classes of Anton Nel, Alexander Kobrin, Zhaoyi Dan, Sofya Gulyak, Ian Hobson, Aviram Reichert, Boaz Sharon, Michael Tsalka, and Chu-Fang Huang. Meiyu is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Music program at the Lynn University Conservatory of Music in Boca Raton, Florida, where she studies with Roberta Rust.
Intermediate Voice Winner
Isabella Bank
Isabella Bank, soprano, is 14 years old and has performed and competed with her musical talents in Italy as well as the United States. She first embarked on her musical journey at the age of 5 with the piano. Soon after, her love for singing drew her into the choir world, and she studied with the Columbia Choirs of Metropolitan Seattle for 3 years before moving to Rome, Italy, and studying with the Coro Voci Bianche of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia for 2 years. Also during her time in Rome, she studied the cello with the JuniOrchestra of the same organization. She and her family moved to Lakewood Ranch in August of 2016, and she now studies at the Sarasota Voice Academy and with Michael Stewart, where she is learning to use all that she was given and let her soloist voice shine through.
Isabella Bank
Isabella Bank, soprano, is 14 years old and has performed and competed with her musical talents in Italy as well as the United States. She first embarked on her musical journey at the age of 5 with the piano. Soon after, her love for singing drew her into the choir world, and she studied with the Columbia Choirs of Metropolitan Seattle for 3 years before moving to Rome, Italy, and studying with the Coro Voci Bianche of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia for 2 years. Also during her time in Rome, she studied the cello with the JuniOrchestra of the same organization. She and her family moved to Lakewood Ranch in August of 2016, and she now studies at the Sarasota Voice Academy and with Michael Stewart, where she is learning to use all that she was given and let her soloist voice shine through.
Junior Piano Winner
Joseph Wang, Student of Maria Gomez
Joseph Wang, 11 years old, is a 6th grader at Westglades Middle School in Parkland, Florida. He has been a student of Maria Gomez since 2015. In 2017, his first year of participating piano competition, Joseph won first place at the District Concerto Competition elementary level and Intermediate A Competition of BCMTA. Meanwhile, during the FMCC state competition he received honorable mention for both solo and concerto divisions. This year, he won the district concerto competition and was the third place winner in the intermediate level of the Pompano Beach Children in the Arts Piano competition. Joseph loves math, reading, arts, sports, music and video games.
Joseph Wang, Student of Maria Gomez
Joseph Wang, 11 years old, is a 6th grader at Westglades Middle School in Parkland, Florida. He has been a student of Maria Gomez since 2015. In 2017, his first year of participating piano competition, Joseph won first place at the District Concerto Competition elementary level and Intermediate A Competition of BCMTA. Meanwhile, during the FMCC state competition he received honorable mention for both solo and concerto divisions. This year, he won the district concerto competition and was the third place winner in the intermediate level of the Pompano Beach Children in the Arts Piano competition. Joseph loves math, reading, arts, sports, music and video games.
Junior Strings Winner
Alex Cameron, Student of Doug Cameron
12 Year old Alex Cameron has been exposed to a different approach to the violin since the day he was born. He has watched his dad, recording artist Doug Cameron perform for as long as he can remember. Now at the age of 12, Alex can play literally anything in his dad’s repertoire, including 10 CD’s of dad’s original music. He also performs with his dad’s show along with his younger son Sean. He studies with Renata Rozmus and Glen Basham (concertmaster of the Naples Symphony), and also receives a lesson daily from his dad when he’s not on tour. An educator as well, Doug Cameron has two instructional series out for the violin and Alex helps his dad teach and inspire young musicians. Because of this, Alex not only plays classical music but can also delve into jazz, Celtic, country, gospel and other alternative styles without missing a beat. Alex has won numerous talent competitions and has been featured on NBC-2 Fort Myers. He and his family are also involved in performing for charities, including The Salvation Army, where they have played for their thanksgiving meal for the past 8 years. Last year Alex was the concertmaster of the Fort Myers Concert Orchestra as well as one of it’s youngest members. This year he is in the Fort Myers Youth Symphony composed mainly of high school aged students. Alex has won numerous concerto competitions recently, including The Rising Star Award at The Prescott Competition of Southwest Florida and first place at the FACCS fine arts competition on violin and piano. Alex has also been selected to perform with the Honors Orchestra in June at Carnegie Hall. Although Alex and Sean are exposed to many styles, their primary training is a strict classical background. “I’m grateful that I can play the violin.”, says Alex. “I want to be a musician when I grow up. That’s the only thing I want to be. I just want to be like my dad”
Alex Cameron, Student of Doug Cameron
12 Year old Alex Cameron has been exposed to a different approach to the violin since the day he was born. He has watched his dad, recording artist Doug Cameron perform for as long as he can remember. Now at the age of 12, Alex can play literally anything in his dad’s repertoire, including 10 CD’s of dad’s original music. He also performs with his dad’s show along with his younger son Sean. He studies with Renata Rozmus and Glen Basham (concertmaster of the Naples Symphony), and also receives a lesson daily from his dad when he’s not on tour. An educator as well, Doug Cameron has two instructional series out for the violin and Alex helps his dad teach and inspire young musicians. Because of this, Alex not only plays classical music but can also delve into jazz, Celtic, country, gospel and other alternative styles without missing a beat. Alex has won numerous talent competitions and has been featured on NBC-2 Fort Myers. He and his family are also involved in performing for charities, including The Salvation Army, where they have played for their thanksgiving meal for the past 8 years. Last year Alex was the concertmaster of the Fort Myers Concert Orchestra as well as one of it’s youngest members. This year he is in the Fort Myers Youth Symphony composed mainly of high school aged students. Alex has won numerous concerto competitions recently, including The Rising Star Award at The Prescott Competition of Southwest Florida and first place at the FACCS fine arts competition on violin and piano. Alex has also been selected to perform with the Honors Orchestra in June at Carnegie Hall. Although Alex and Sean are exposed to many styles, their primary training is a strict classical background. “I’m grateful that I can play the violin.”, says Alex. “I want to be a musician when I grow up. That’s the only thing I want to be. I just want to be like my dad”
Senior Piano Winner
Amy Lao, Student of Mary Lou Krosnick
Amy Lao, 17, is a rising senior from Jacksonville, FL. She has consistently won in all piano categories (solo and ensemble) for the Greater Jacksonville Piano Competition and the Florida Federation of Music Clubs, placing top five in senior concerto twice. In 2013, she won the Outstanding Young Pianists competition in the junior class and performed at the OYP winner’s concert. In 2015, Amy placed 2nd in the Gulf Coast Steinway Society Competition and won the FMTA district concerto competition and performed in the annual FMTA conference. In 2016, she won the Gulf Coast Steinway Society Competition (Senior Level), 1st place in the senior division of the 2016 Edvard Grieg Society of America's Grieg Competition with her winning performance archived by the International Edvard Grieg Society, the Outstanding Young Pianists Competition in Jacksonville (junior division) and performed in the Selby Music Archive concert series and the winner’s concert for the OYP competition. In 2018, Amy won the Outstanding Young Pianists Competition in Jacksonville (senior division) and performed in the winner’s concert. She also won the FSMTA District 4 senior division concerto competition and subsequently, the FSMTA state concerto competition. Amy is also the president of the Florida chapter of Music Mission Outreach which is a national non-religious affiliated organization striving to share the joy of music to those in need and is the music intern for the Jacksonville School of Autism. Amy has performed in master classes under Dr. Elena Cholakova, Dr. Robin Williams, Dr. David Kalhous, and the late Dr. Joel Hastings. She studies under Mrs. Mary Lou Wesley Krosnick, retired Professor and Distinguished Performer-in-Residence at Jacksonville University.
Amy Lao, Student of Mary Lou Krosnick
Amy Lao, 17, is a rising senior from Jacksonville, FL. She has consistently won in all piano categories (solo and ensemble) for the Greater Jacksonville Piano Competition and the Florida Federation of Music Clubs, placing top five in senior concerto twice. In 2013, she won the Outstanding Young Pianists competition in the junior class and performed at the OYP winner’s concert. In 2015, Amy placed 2nd in the Gulf Coast Steinway Society Competition and won the FMTA district concerto competition and performed in the annual FMTA conference. In 2016, she won the Gulf Coast Steinway Society Competition (Senior Level), 1st place in the senior division of the 2016 Edvard Grieg Society of America's Grieg Competition with her winning performance archived by the International Edvard Grieg Society, the Outstanding Young Pianists Competition in Jacksonville (junior division) and performed in the Selby Music Archive concert series and the winner’s concert for the OYP competition. In 2018, Amy won the Outstanding Young Pianists Competition in Jacksonville (senior division) and performed in the winner’s concert. She also won the FSMTA District 4 senior division concerto competition and subsequently, the FSMTA state concerto competition. Amy is also the president of the Florida chapter of Music Mission Outreach which is a national non-religious affiliated organization striving to share the joy of music to those in need and is the music intern for the Jacksonville School of Autism. Amy has performed in master classes under Dr. Elena Cholakova, Dr. Robin Williams, Dr. David Kalhous, and the late Dr. Joel Hastings. She studies under Mrs. Mary Lou Wesley Krosnick, retired Professor and Distinguished Performer-in-Residence at Jacksonville University.
Senior Strings Winner
Sahana Shrivan, Student of Huifeng Chen
Sahana is a resident of Boca Raton, FL and a junior at the Alexander W Dreyfoos School of the Arts (DSOA) in West Palm Beach, FL. Sahana started her violin studies at the tender age of 3 with Mr. Richard Coff, at the Suzuki Music Academy in Davie, FL. She currently studies with Ms.Huifang Chen in Coral Springs, FL.
Sahana has won numerous Concerto competitions. Sahana won 1st place at the District VI FSMTA Senior Strings Competition, held in March 2018. She received Honorable Mention at the 2018 New World Side by Side Concerto Competition. She won the Florida MTNA (Music Teacher’s National Association)Senior Strings Competition 2016, and she represented Florida at the Regional MTNA competition held in January 2017, where she was awarded Honorable Mention. Sahana was 1st place winner at the 2016 Greater Miami Youth Symphony (GMYS) Concerto Competition, the 2016 Alexander W Dreyfoos School of the Arts Concerto Competition, the 2016 Florida Youth Symphony (FYO) Concerto Competition, Finalist at the 2016 New World Symphony Side by Side competition. Sahana has been the concertmaster of
the Greater Miami Youth Symphony since 2016, and she is a section leader of the AW Dreyfoos Philharmonic Orchestra. Sahana was also a winner at the American Protégé Competition and was a solo performer at Carnegie Hall - Weill Hall in 2014.
Sahana enjoys volunteering for the non-profit organization Mind and Melody, reading, mentoring peers in mathematics through the Math Honor Society at DSOA, and exploring world music genre. Sahana also aspires to conduct research to study the interconnected fields of music and medicine, and its effects on the human body and mind.
Sahana Shrivan, Student of Huifeng Chen
Sahana is a resident of Boca Raton, FL and a junior at the Alexander W Dreyfoos School of the Arts (DSOA) in West Palm Beach, FL. Sahana started her violin studies at the tender age of 3 with Mr. Richard Coff, at the Suzuki Music Academy in Davie, FL. She currently studies with Ms.Huifang Chen in Coral Springs, FL.
Sahana has won numerous Concerto competitions. Sahana won 1st place at the District VI FSMTA Senior Strings Competition, held in March 2018. She received Honorable Mention at the 2018 New World Side by Side Concerto Competition. She won the Florida MTNA (Music Teacher’s National Association)Senior Strings Competition 2016, and she represented Florida at the Regional MTNA competition held in January 2017, where she was awarded Honorable Mention. Sahana was 1st place winner at the 2016 Greater Miami Youth Symphony (GMYS) Concerto Competition, the 2016 Alexander W Dreyfoos School of the Arts Concerto Competition, the 2016 Florida Youth Symphony (FYO) Concerto Competition, Finalist at the 2016 New World Symphony Side by Side competition. Sahana has been the concertmaster of
the Greater Miami Youth Symphony since 2016, and she is a section leader of the AW Dreyfoos Philharmonic Orchestra. Sahana was also a winner at the American Protégé Competition and was a solo performer at Carnegie Hall - Weill Hall in 2014.
Sahana enjoys volunteering for the non-profit organization Mind and Melody, reading, mentoring peers in mathematics through the Math Honor Society at DSOA, and exploring world music genre. Sahana also aspires to conduct research to study the interconnected fields of music and medicine, and its effects on the human body and mind.
2018 MTNA Southern Division Competition Winners
MTNA Southern Division Competitions, were held January 12-15 at Liberty University in Lynchburg VA. Congratulations to the following students and their teachers for placing in the following categories:
Trevor Chu - Alto Saxophone
Patrick Manser - Tenor Saxophone
Zach McKee - Baritone Saxophone
We look forward to hearing the Appalachee Saxophone Quartet and
Trevor Chu (Senior Performance Woodwind) compete in Orlando at the
MTNA Competitions in March.
Mary Beth Purchase, FSMTA President
MTNA Southern Division Competitions, were held January 12-15 at Liberty University in Lynchburg VA. Congratulations to the following students and their teachers for placing in the following categories:
- The Appalachee Saxophone Quartet - Winner,Chamber Music Wind. Teacher: Katherine Weintraub
Trevor Chu - Alto Saxophone
Patrick Manser - Tenor Saxophone
Zach McKee - Baritone Saxophone
- Trevor Chu - Winner, Senior Performance Woodwind. Teacher:Katherine Weintraub
- Jonathan Reichenberger - Honorable Mention, Senior Performance Piano. Teacher: Maria Gomez
- Isabelle Scott - Alternate, Senior Performance Voice. Teacher: Regina Torres
- Jacob Howard - Honorable Mention, Senior Performance Brass. Teacher: Christopher Moore
- Audrey Lopez - Elementary Composition. Teacher: Virginia Grissom
- Frazar Henrey - Junior Composition. Teacher: Jason Bahr
We look forward to hearing the Appalachee Saxophone Quartet and
Trevor Chu (Senior Performance Woodwind) compete in Orlando at the
MTNA Competitions in March.
Mary Beth Purchase, FSMTA President
2017-2018 MTNA Competition Winners
The 2017-2018 Florida MTNA Competitions were held October 28-29, 2017 at
University of South Florida, Tampa. It is with great pleasure I announce the results below.
All the best to the winners and state representatives as they advance to Southern Division, which will be held January 12-15, 2018 at Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia.
Lydia Blakemore
Vice-President for MTNA Competitive Events
[Photos and bios found below list of winners]
The 2017-2018 Florida MTNA Competitions were held October 28-29, 2017 at
University of South Florida, Tampa. It is with great pleasure I announce the results below.
All the best to the winners and state representatives as they advance to Southern Division, which will be held January 12-15, 2018 at Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia.
Lydia Blakemore
Vice-President for MTNA Competitive Events
[Photos and bios found below list of winners]
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FL Junior Piano
Winner - Alejandra Sarmiento, teacher Maria Gomez FL Junior String Winner - Elena Lim, teacher Huifang Chen FL Senior Piano Winner - Jonathan Reichenberger, teacher Maria Gomez FL Senior String Winner - Sophia Zheng, teacher Carol Cole FL Senior Brass Winner - Delayna Wahlberg, teacher Michelle Stebleton FL Senior Voice Winner - Isabelle Scott, teacher Regina Torres FL Senior Woodwind Winner - Trevor Chu, teacher Katherine Weintraub |
FL Young Artist Piano
Winner - Christiana Shelenberger, teacher Read Gainsford FL Young Artist Brass Winner - Jacob Howard, teacher Christopher Moore FL Young Artist String Winner - Thomas Johnson, teacher Shannon Thomas Young Artist Voice Winner - Sarah Brickeen, teacher JoAnne Stephenson Young Artist Woodwind Winner - Katsuya Yuasa, teacher Jonathan Holden FL Chamber Music Woodwind "Apalachee Saxophone Quartet" - Eric Stults, Trevor Chu, Patrick Manser, Zach Mckee, teacher Katherine Weintraub |
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FL Senior Brass Winner
Delayna Wahlberg, teacher Michelle Stebleton Delayna is a first year Instrumental Music Education major with a primary on French Horn at Florida State University. She has been playing horn for eight years, starting in sixth grade. She is a part of the Concert Band on campus and the Florida State Univeristy Marching Cheifs. In her free time, Delayna likes listening to Musical Theater and doing arts and crafts. She would like to thank her family for supporting her and God for all he has given her. |
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FL Chamber Music Woodwind Winner
"Apalachee Saxophone Quartet" - Eric Stults, Trevor Chu, Patrick Manser, Zach Mckee, teacher Katherine Weintraub The Appalachee Quartet was formed in the summer of 2017 under the direction of Dr. Katherine Weintraub. Comprised of undergraduate and graduate students at Florida State University, the Appalachee quartet brings a refreshing energy and excitement to the chamber music scene. The group is striving to bring different perspectives to the community with some members having or aspiring music education degrees and the rest looking to gain a degree in music performance. |
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FL Senior Woodwind Winner
Trevor Chu, teacher Katherine Weintraub Trevor Chu is a native of Orlando, Florida, where he has recently graduated from Lake Howell High School. He is currently a freshman studying Saxophone Performance at the Florida State University. His past teacher was Mr. Jeremy Williamson and Trevor currently studies under Dr. Katherine Weintraub. He has participated in many honor bands throughout high school including All-County, All-State, and FSU’s Tri-State Band. He has also taken many solos and chamber groups to the District and State Solo and Ensemble, receiving many “superior” ratings. |
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FL Young Artist Piano Winner
Christiana Shelenberger, teacher Read Gainsford Christiana Shelenberger is currently studying piano with Dr. Read Gainsford at Florida State University. Christiana is a junior Piano Performance major from Jacksonville, Florida, and has received scholarships from the FSU College of Music, Tallahassee Music Guild, Florida Federation of Music Clubs, Friday Musicale, and the Jacksonville Baptist Association. Most recently, Christiana held the student pianist position at the 2017 Classical Singing in New York in June summer vocal collaborative program. Before college, Ms. Shelenberger studied with Vickie Stake for seven years and received high-level musical training at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. During her senior year of high school, Friday Musicale awarded her the Marian Armington Waterman Poitevent scholarship. Throughout middle and high school, she placed in District and State Federation events, the Greater Jacksonville Piano Competition, and the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools State Competition. In 2013, Christiana participated in the Boukobza Academy Summer Camp in Paris and Belgium. She was a member of the Jacksonville Children's Chorus in elementary and junior high and had the honor of performing with the JCC in Carnegie Hall in 2008 and Avery Fisher Hall in 2010. Back in Jacksonville, Christiana is involved with the music ministry of Westside Baptist Church and enjoys arranging hymns and songs for their services. Christiana is a huge lover of church music, The Carpenters, and Sting, and enjoys travelling and spending time with her family. Her hobbies include reading, hiking, crocheting, and watching British dramas. Her goal is to honor God through her musical pursuits. |
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FL Senior Piano Winner
Jonathan Reichenberger, teacher Maria Gomez Jonathan Reichenberger has been playing the piano since he was four years old, and since then, Jonathan has received numerous local, state, regional, and international awards and honors. At the annual FFMC in Jacksonville, Jonathan has also won numerous piano competitions in different categories. He was the first place winner of the 2012 FSMTA District VI Concerto Competition Senior Division. In March 2012, Jonathan was a winner of the International Young Musicians Festival which earned him a performance at the Carnegie Hall in New York. At the 2013 MTNA Southern Division Junior Piano Performance Competition in North Carolina, Jonathan was awarded Alternate. At the 2014 and 2015 MTNA Southern Division Junior Piano Competition, he was awarded Honorable Mention. In October 2014, Jonathan was the first place winner in the Louisiana International Piano Junior Competition. Also, Jonathan was the second place winner in the 2015 SEPF Arthur Fraser International Piano Competition, as well as second place winner in the 2016 Lee University International Piano Competition. He and his brother were awarded Alternate in the 2015 MTNA Southern Division Senior Duet Piano Competition. The brothers were the featured artists in the Trinity Concert Series in 2012 and 2014, and in 2015 they were the featured artists in the Coral Ridge Concert Series in Fort Lauderdale. Jonathan is a five-time MTNA Florida state winner since sixth grade, and he was a 2017 MTNA national finalist in the Senior Piano Competition. Jonathan studies piano performance with Maria Gomez. |
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FL Junior Piano Winner
Alejandra Sarmiento, teacher Maria Gomez Alejandra Sarmiento is a 12 year old seventh grader at Ransom Everglades School, who studies piano with Maria Gomez. In 2014 and 2015, she won 2nd place in her categories in the American Protégé International Competitions, and performed at Weil Auditorium in Carnegie Hall. Alejandra won 1st place in her category at the 2015 AADGT International Young Gifted Musicians Festival. At the 2016 FSMTA District 6 Concerto Competition, Alejandra won Alternate (2nd place) in the Junior Division. She was the 1st place winner in the 2016 BCMTA Intermediate A Competition, and she won 2nd place in the Musically Advanced 2 division of the 2016 Pompano Piano competition, where she was also awarded the Steinway Young Artist award. Alejandra won alternate, and the Chopin Prize, in the Junior category at the 2016 FSMTA State Piano Competition. This year, she won 1st place, and the Chopin Prize, at the 2017 FSMTA State Piano Competition. She was awarded 1st place in the Jr. Division at the 2017 FSMTA District 6 Concerto Competition, and won 3rd place in the MISO-Steinway Miami 2017 Young Pianist International Competition, performing the Beethoven 1st Piano Concerto with the Miami Symphony Orchestra. Alejandra also enjoys reading and writing, and has been studying Chinese for several years. |
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FL Senior String Winner
Sophia Zheng, teacher Carol Cole Sophia Zheng is a 16-year-old sophomore high school student at Dreyfoos School of the Arts. She started to play violin at age of 4. She studies the violin with Mrs. Carol Cole. Sophia is the first-place winner of Florida division of the Music Teacher National Association (MTNA) Senior Performance Competition 2017, the Concerto Competition of Florida State Music Teacher Association 2017, South Florida Young Artist Solo Senior Competition 2017, and the American Protégé International Concerto Competition 2017. Sophia won second place in the 2017 Alhambra Orchestra’s Ray Millette Young Artist Concerto Competition, and performed with the Alhambra Orchestra at the Florida International University. Sophia won the highest level of the Golden Key Award at Level 6 and the Silver Key at Concert Level in the Golden Keys International Contest. Sophia is the second-place winner of 2016 American Protégé International Competition of Romantic Music. She was also a finalist of the 2016 Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Youth Concerto Competition. In 2015, Sophia won first place two times in the Florida State Division of the Music Teacher National Association (MTNA) Junior Performance Competition. Subsequently, she represented the state of Florida and placed second in the American Southern division of the MTNA competition. Sophia was named the 2015 first place winner of the South Florida Young Artist Solo Competition (Middle School division). Additionally, Sophia was selected to travel and play with various orchestras. She was concertmaster and soloist of 2017 High School Honors Performance Series, performing at Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House in Australia. She has been a member of the All-State Florida Orchestra in 8th, 9th, and 10th grade. Sophia is one of the founders of Find the Keys Bedrock non-profit company which aims to propagate classical music. She recruits high school young musicians from various music disciplines to teach community children. She also offers free violin lessons to inspired children. She initiated a Winter Music Camp community project to serve Palm Beach County children in a week-ling program during the 2017 Winter Break. Sophia is the founder and President of the HeArts club at Dreyfoos School of the Arts affiliated with TrustBridge Hospices. She is also the President of the USABO club and Chess club. |
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FL Junior String Winner
Elena Lim, teacher Huifang Chen Elena Lim is a 14-year old freshman at American Heritage School in Plantation, FL. She began her violin studies at the age of four with Suzanne Labelle in Schaumburg, IL. Elena has participated in Florida Federation of Music Clubs(FFMC) Junior Convention in Jacksonville, FL and has been awarded multiple times. In 2016, she won the Junior Strings Category in the FSMTA Concerto Competition. Additionally, she was the winner of the Middle School Strings Division in the South Florida Young Artists Competition in 2017. Currently, she is in the Greater Miami Youth Symphony and studies with Mrs. Huifang Chen. |
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FL Young Artist String Winner
Thomas Johnson, teacher Shannon Thomas From the moment Thomas started the violin at age eight, he knew that he was going to be a musician. Born in St. Louis Missouri, Thomas has had multiple music influences, starting from the traditional Suzuki background from his first teacher, Dawn Pennell, and then eventually moving to a more Russian influence with his second teacher, Yuly Ilyashov. His first transformative experience was winning a full scholarship to the Illinois Summer Youth Music (ISYM) festival at the University of Illinois in Champaigne-Urbana. The following year, in 2008 he was featured as a soloist with the Alton Youth Symphony after winning their concerto competition. At fourteen, Thomas was admitted into the Webster College Prep Program for Gifted Musicians, and the following year successfully auditioned into the St. Louis Youth Symphony. Under the guiding influence of his teacher, and these two programs Thomas’ playing transformed. Also competing in some competitions at the time, Thomas had the honor of placing third in the Marie Stillwell concerto competition, as well as being a finalist in Southeast Missouri State’s Rising Star competition. At the age of nineteen, Thomas won a full scholarship as the second violinist in the Stamps String Quartet at the University of Miami, FL; where he studied briefly with Scott Flavin and then eventually Karen Lord-Powell. It was here that Thomas was able to perform with several world-class artists such as Barry Manilow and Ben Folds. Last year Thomas took a gap year in St. Louis, where he studied with St. Louis Symphony violinist Angie Smart. At this point, Thomas is studying for his undergraduate degree with Dr. Shannon Thomas in violin performance at Florida State University, where he currently performs as concertmaster of the University Philharmonia and is a substitute for the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. Thomas has also been to a number of music festivals, including the Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, the Castleman Quartet Program, Pheonix Phest in Michigan, and Innsbrook in Missouri. Thomas would specially like to thank his mentors in St. Louis: Vera Parkin, David Halen, Angie Smart, his parents, Yuly Ilyashov, and many more! |
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FL Young Artist Brass Winner
Jacob Howard, teacher Christopher Moore Jacob Howard currently serves as third trumpet with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Jeffrey Rink. Recently, Jacob won the State of Florida MTNA Young Artist Solo Competition, an International Trumpet Guild Scholarship, and second place in the ensemble division of the National Trumpet Competition. Additionally, Howard has been selected multiple times as a semifinalist in the solo division of the National Trumpet Competition. Howard enjoys freelancing in the Tallahassee area in a variety of settings, from jazz and chamber ensembles, to pit and symphony orchestras. He currently serves as Principal Trumpet of the Florida State Opera Orchestra and Co-Principal Trumpet of the University Philharmonia Orchestra and previously served as section leader of the World Renowned Marching Chiefs. Currently, Howard is pursuing a degree in music education with an emphasis in trumpet performance from Florida State University under the instruction of Dr. Christopher Moore. His previous teachers include Tom Savage and Sharon Kostelecky, of the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra. Through his studies, Jacob has worked with numerous high school music programs in North Florida, most recently serving as the trumpet instructor with the Sebastian River High School Band. In the future, Howard plans to further his studies in graduate school in hopes of becoming a professional performer and university trumpet instructor. |
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Young Artist Woodwind Winner
Katsuya Yuasa, teacher Jonathan Holden A charismatic and versatile clarinetist, KATSUYA YUASA has performed widely in United States as a soloist and chamber musician. Presently he is Concert Artist of Mu Phi Epsilon, Adjunct Professor at Florida A&M University, a graduate teaching assistant at Florida State University pursuing a doctoral degree under the guidance of Jonathan Holden and Deborah Bish. He completed his Master's and Artist Diploma program at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where he studied with Michael Norsworthy. He is a founding member of Duo Esplanade (flute, clarinet) and Cosmos New Music (flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano). Yuasa holds prizes from over 10 notable competitions and awards, among them: ENKOR International Competition, Great Composers International Competition Series, San Diego Heritage Music Festival Director’s Award, finalist of Arthur W. Foote Award, and first clarinetist to win the Mu Phi Epsilon International Competition. As a soloist, he has been featured with numerous ensembles. His recent performance includes Premiere Rhapsodie by Claude Debussy with the Rio Hondo Symphony Orchestra, Paganini in Metropolis by Frank Proto with the Boston Conservatory Wind Ensemble and Clarinet Concerto by Aaron Copland with the Boston Conservatory Sinfonietta. Also an avid chamber musician, Duo Esplanade (flute, clarinet) gave performances and master classes at University of North Florida, University of Florida, University of South Alabama, Longy School of Music, Future Music Project at Carnegie Hall, Florida Flute Association, National Flute Association, and International Clarinet Association’s Festival in the last season. In addition to performing and giving master classes, Mr. Yuasa maintains an active schedule as a teacher. He teaches applied lessons, pedagogy, and a freshman class at Florida State University, maintains his own studio comprising students from Florida A&M University and the local community. Past teaching experience includes serving as the Collegiate Ambassador of Boston Symphony Orchestra, Assistant Band Director and Woodwind Coach of the Simonds Elementary and Castillero Middle School, and teaching assistant at the New York Summer Music Festival and Summer in the City Music Camp. Mr. Yuasa became Yamaha Young Performing Artist in 2014. He is a member of International Clarinet Association, College Music Society, and Mu Phi Epsilon. For more information, visit: www.katsuyayuasa.com |