Each year, the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) presents its National Young Artist Competition. It is one of the toughest and most demanding of such events in the country. It comprises 4 categories representing 4 age groups: Juniors (11-14); Seniors (15-18); as well as undergraduate and graduate categories. The competition calls for a large solo program of 20 minutes for Juniors, and 25-30 minutes for Seniors. It begins at the state level. The winner of each state goes on to one of 7 Division events comprising 7-8 states. The winner of each Division then proceeds to the National Finals, which will be held here in Minneapolis this year.
Our Will Gannon (16) won First Place in the Minnesota State Division, Senior Category. He will now proceed to the West Central Division on December 1. The West Central Division is comprised of 8 states: Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, and Colorado. If Will should win the Division, he will represent Minnesota as one of 7 National Finalists! Will performed a spectacularly rich and difficult program comprising of the 1st movement of Schubert's Wanderer Fantasy, Ravel's Jeux d'Eau, and Scriabin's Sonata No. 5.
No less impressive, our Andre Peck (12), was awarded Alternate (2nd Place) in the Junior Category. As Alternate, Andre will represent Minnesota should the 1st Place Winner fail to fulfill his/her obligations as winner. Andre performed an unusual, difficult, and fascinating program consisting of Haydn's masterpiece, the F minor Variations, Liszt's 11th Rhapsody, and 2 works of Prokofiev - March from The Love of Three Oranges, and the Diabolique Suggestion.
Will and Andre (who are known affectionately in our studio as Big Boy and Little Man) deserve this wonderful recognition. They are totally devoted to their Art and they work with great concentration, focus, and courage. They are supremely gifted and talented. Will and Andre continue to inspire our entire studio. Bravo, guys!!
Yours in Music -
Joe & Jo Anne
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