“Young Artists” Wow Arts Barn Crowd at Showcase Concert

The winners of the 5th Annual “Young Artist Award” competition performed before a full auditorium at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn on March 15th.  A program co-sponsored by the City of Gaithersburg and the Kentlands Community Foundation, the “Young Artist” event was developed to serve as a learning and mentoring opportunity for young musicians and vocalists to perform in front of a live jury, and gain immediate feedback on their performance in a positive, constructive fashion.  Those that earned top scores in their category won the opportunity to perform in the showcase concert, attended by not only friends, family and local residents, but the Mayor, Acting City Manager and most of the City Council members, as well as Foundation Board representatives. 

This year, the musicians and vocalists ranged in age from 12 to 18 years, and as in the past, performed with the poise, class and professionalism that belied their ages.  One glance at the performer’s Bios in the concert program and it was clear that these children were not only exceptional musicians, but all-around talented, hard working and exceptional kids – period.  One of the pianists will attend Yale University in the fall, and another had to make a difficult choice between competing in the competition in the Piano category or the Strings Category because she’s so talented in both.  Several of the musicians are student-athletes, participating in cross country running, swimming, tennis, ballet or basketball, and have extremely varied hobbies, including fishing, fashion design, politicking, pet sitting, photography, comic book reading, astronomy, and debate team.  It just takes an evening like the “Young Artist Award” concert to bring into focus how amazing these children truly are – and how truly amazing their parents and teachers must be – as they harness each child’s potential in such a beautiful way. WOW!

2008 “Young Artist Award” Winners are as follows: 

Strings Solo category: First Place - Madeline Watson (violin); Second Place - Andrew Yu, (cello); Third Place - William Yu (violin)

Vocal Solo category: Sarah Lasko was awarded First Place; Shaina Martinez, Second Place; and, Christopher Wolf, Third Place. 

Wind & Brass Solo category: First Place - Grace Lee (Flute); Second Place - Niles Watson, (Flute) and Third Place - Heather Pesce, (flute)

Piano Solo category:  Dina Ralchenko was awarded First Place; Erika Saunders, Second Place; and Joanna Cornell, Third Place. 

Vocal Solo category, Sarah Lasko was awarded First Place; Shaina Martinez, Second Place; and, Christopher Wolf, Third Place. 

Honorable Mentions were awarded to Justin Chang (piano) and Isabella Nogues (violin). Congratulations to all! 

The City of Gaithersburg and the Kentlands Community Foundation wish to thank our outstanding Master of Ceremonies, Elie Canetti,

for leading the proceedings with style, humor and class.