Amarillo Symphony Guild Young Artist Project Announces Winners

The Amarillo Symphony Guild Young Artist Project today recognizes the winners of the 2016-2017 competition. Out of a total of 15 applications, 6 students were chosen as the recipients of private music lessons for 36 weeks and will work with professional instructors from the area to strengthen their skills and education of their specific instrument.

In 2012, the Amarillo Symphony Guild began a new program to provide private music instruction to gifted young musicians who would not otherwise be able to afford it. The Project began with an application from the student's parent, a letter from the student explaining why they would like to receive private music lessons, and a letter of recommendation from the student's band or orchestra director. Those applications are then reviewed by a committee which includes Guild members, the Executive Director of the Symphony, and an Amarillo Symphony musician.

"The Young Artist project provides a few exceptional students in Amarillo the opportunity to work closely with talented musical professionals in the area said Bailey Smith, co-chairman of the Young Artist Project. "Students apply and a few are selected through a selection committee. The six recipients for 2016-2017 demonstrate not only a financial need for lessons but a strong desire and enthusiasm to improve themselves, their orchestras, and take everything they learn through this opportunity and apply it to music and beyond."

The following are the 2016-2017 recipients of the Young Artist Project:

Name Instrument School Grade

Matthew Cortez - Cello, Caprock High School 9th grade

Aaron Gonzales - Percussion, Caprock High School, 11th grade

Sebastian Diaz - Clarinet, Canyon High School, 12th grade

Jacqueline Valdavinos - Clarinet, Canyon High School, 12th grade

Emmanuel Blanco - Clarinet, Palo Duro High School, 10th grade

Jayla Martin Viola Palo Duro High School 10th

Congratulations to all of this year's winners and we look forward to the continued success of these students throughout their music education.

For more information about the program, please visit http://amarillosymphony.org/education/young-artist-project/

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