Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra

Each year the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra holds a Concerto Competition which is open to all members of the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra and Preparatory String Orchestra. The two winners of the Concerto Competition are recognized at the spring concert, win a prize and may perform as featured soloists on the spring concert with the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra, depending on the suitability of the winning concerto as determined by the Music Director. The winners of the Junior Division are recognized at the spring concert and win prizes.

Senior Division Concerto Competition Date: Nov-06, 2011 1:00P - 3:00P

Entry and Application Materials Deadline: Oct-13, 2011.

Junior Division Solo Competition Date: Apr-15, 2012 1:00P - 3:00P

Entry and Application Deadline: Mar-29, 2012

MYO Senior Repertoire List

1. The MYO Concerto and Solo Competitions are open to any current Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra or Preparatory String Orchestra member in good standing. Students may compete on any orchestral instrument. Entries on piano are not accepted.

2. There are two competitions:
a. Concerto - 15 years or older as of November 06, 2011
b. Solo - 14 years or younger as of November 06, 2011

3. Awards:
a. Two Concerto winners - each receives prize and depending on the suitability of the winning concerto as determined by the Music Director, a solo performance with the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra during the Spring concert.
b. Solo Competition Winners - are recognized at the spring concert and receive a prize.

4. Concerto Competition: Sunday, November 06, 2011. Location: MTSU School of Music
All Concerto Competition applicants MUST choose their work from the MYO Senior Repertoire List. This list is available at www.www.myorchesta.org. The competition will take place in one round and is closed to the public. Each entrant will perform his/her work with piano accompaniment for the judges. The work title of the work listed on the student's Entry Form cannot be changed for the competition (this includes movement). Taped performances will not be accepted. All winners will be chosen and announced at the conclusion of the competition

Concerto competition Application Form (complete and email), signed Terms of Agreement (complete and email), one copy of your music with measure numbers at the beginning of each line, and Entry Fee of $15 are due by Thursday, October 13, 2011.

It is recommended that all contestants show their completed application to the Music Director for approval prior to this date.

5. Solo Competition: Sunday, April 15, 2012. Location: MTSU School of Music
Applicants may perform any one-movement concerto, movement of a concerto, or instrumental solo with piano accompaniment. Students do not have to select a work from the Senior Repertoire List. Sonatas or movements from a sonata are not acceptable. The competition will take place in one round, and is closed to the public. Results will be announced immediately following the competition. Taped performances will not be accepted. Prizes will be presented at the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra Spring Concert.

Solo Competition Application Form (complete and email), signed Terms of Agreement (complete and email), one copy of your music with measure numbers at the beginning of each line, and Entry Fee of $15 are due by Thursday, March 29, 2012. Please make checks payable to MYO.

It is recommended that all contestants show their completed application to the Music Director for approval prior to the due date.

6. Both Competitions:
Playing from memory is highly encouraged but not required. All entrants must perform with piano accompaniment. Contestants are responsible for securing their own accompanist. Upon request, the MYO will offer a list of available accompanists in the Murfreesboro area, but each contestant must make his/her own arrangements for rehearsals and performance date. The MYO assumes no artistic responsibility for the accompanists recommended. Introductory accompaniment (tutti sections) should be limited to several lead-in measures only and other lengthy tutti sections during the work should be shortened as well. See the Music Director for questions or suggestions about cuts.

7. Performances will be judged on the basis of tone, pitch, technical and rhythmic accuracy, musicality, interpretive merit, and stage presence. Judges have the option to select one or more player for Honorable Mention. There are no performance opportunities or cash awards in connection Honorable Mention designations, nor are judges under any obligation or limitation in the naming of such performers.

8. The decision of the Adjudicators is final and no discussion will be entered into. The judges reserve the right not to award prizes.

9. Important Note: Concerto Competition First Prize winners cannot enter the competition in subsequent years on the same instrument.
10. The MYO Concerto and Solo Competition Committees will assign each entrant a performance time for the day of the competition. Competitors must be prepared to perform at his/her scheduled time. Times will not be reassigned. The entrant must perform in person. Taped performances will not be accepted.

11. A fee of $15 is payable for each entry. All entries must be made on the official entry form and accompanied by the full and correct entry fee. Checks should be made payable to MYO.

12. All competitors perform at their own risk and the MYO will not accept responsibility for accidents nor misadventure.

13. No provision is made for private rehearsal in the Concerto and Solo Competition venues.

14. If a winner leaves the MYO or PSO for any reason during the orchestra season, he/she automatically forfeits the right to perform his/her solo with the MYO. There is no provision for a "back-up" winner unless otherwise decided by the Music Director.

15. The Music Director/Conductor reserves the right to cancel a soloist's performance with the MYO due to unusual mitigating circumstances, inadequate preparation on the part of the soloist, or irresolvable artistic differences with the soloist. In this event the performer will be notified in writing. The MYO is not responsible for any costs incurred by the soloist as a result of such unforeseen cancellations. If for any reason a Concerto Competition winner cannot fulfill his/her obligation to perform with the orchestra, he/she forfeits the cash prize associated with that award. Exceptions may be made in the case of serious illness or death in the family. Final decisions will be made by the MYO Concerto Competition Committee.

16. Each contestant must include one copy of their music with their entry documents and fee. Each line of the music must be marked with measure numbers.

To enter either the MYO Concerto or Solo Competition, please submit the following documents and payment by the appropriate due dates outlined above:
A. A completed and signed Terms of Agreement (complete and email)
B. A completed Concerto competition Application Form or Solo Competition Application Form (complete and email)
C. One copy of your music with measure numbers at the beginning of each line
D. An entry fee of $15

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MYO Concerto Competition Winners

Senior Division 2010-2011

Clarissa Braschler

1st Place – Violin – Concerto in G, Haydn, I. Allegro moderato

Clarissa Braschler, is a 10th grade homeschooler from Murfreesboro, TN. She is the daughter of Michael and Mary Braschler, and the third of four children. She has played violin for 9 years, and studies under Mrs. Susan Mullen. She has participated in the Mid-State Senior and Junior High Orchestras for the past four years. She was a member of the Preparatory Strings Orchestra in 5th-7th grades, and has been in the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra for the past 2 Years. She often plays for her church and weddings, which she enjoys very much. She comes from a musical family and, in addition to violin, she sings in the praise band at her church.

Clarissa also likes to read, sing in choir, play soccer, and travel. She is always making new friends and is ready to try anything new.

Clarissa's future hopes would be to have at least a minor in music and keep music active in her life. She is also interested in working in the medical or animal care fields.

Megan McKinney

2nd Place – Flute

Megan McKinney, is a junior at Tullahoma High School in Tullahoma, Tennessee. She has been playing for five years, and her private flute instructor is Jessica Dunnavant. Her former teachers are Celine Thackston and Tish Dunn. She is in her school's marching and symphonic bands where she is Woodwind Officer. She has been a member of Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra for two years, and is principal flute in the Curb Youth Symphony in Nashville. She has been to Mid-State Band five years, Mid-State Orchestra two years, All-State Orchestra where she was principal flute, and many clinics, festivals, and recitals. She has attended Southeast Chamber Music Institute at Tennessee Tech University and will be attending Governor's School for the Arts this summer.

Megan plans to major in music performance and hopes to become an orchestral musician or teacher.

Senior and Junior Division 2009-2010

2010 MYO Concerto Competition

Winners of the Concerto Competition pose following the May 18, 2009, concert of the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra and the Preparatory String Orchestra. (L to R) Conner Gray, Second Prize winner, Senior Division; Meredith Lee, Second Prize, Junior Division; Collin Lewis, First Prize winner, Senior Division; Clarissa Braschler, Honorable Mention, Junior Division; and Jeffrey Abell, First Prize, Junior Division. Congratulations to each of this year's winners who received cash prizes presented by Steinway Piano Gallery of Nashville.

Senior Division 2008-2009

Charis MacKrell

Violinist – Symphone Espagnole, Op. 21, Mut.1 Eduard Lalo

Charis MacKrell, 18, is the oldest of six children and a home-educated senior. She has been playing the violin for nine years, and is a student of Mrs. Susan Mullen. Charis has participated in the MYO since 2004. She served as concertmaster for the Senior High Mid-State Orchestra for two years, was an All-State Orchestra member for three years, and participated in numerous honors orchestras.

Charis works as a lifeguard and teaches several beginning violin students. She and two of her sisters frequently perform together in church, and provide music for weddings and other events. Charis plans to continue her musical studies and further pursue a professional career as a violinist in orchestras and ensembles.

Jessica Some

Violinist – Romance in F for Violin and Orchestra Op.50, Lugwig Von Beethoven

Jessica Some,17, has been playing violin for ten years. She studies violin with Mts. Susan Mullen and has been involved with the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra, and previously the Preparatory String Orchestra, for seven years. She visits local nursing homes weekly to play in ensembles with her brother and friend. Jessica has been selected as a member of the Tennessee All-State Orchestra as a first violinist for the past two years, and also attended the Governor’s School for the Arts in 2008.

Jessica is a junior at Middle Tennessee Christian School and is also a percussionist in the school band. She enjoys running, and runs for the MTCS Girls Cross Country team. Jessica works as a part time page at Linebaugh Public library. Her hopes for the future are to minor in music and keep music in her life forever.

Senior Division 2007-2008

Matt Suitt

Violin – W.A. Mozart Violin Concerto No. 3 in G, I. Allegro moderato

Matthew Suitt, 17, is a senior at Riverdale High School in Murfreesboro. A violin student of Susan Mullen and most recently of Karen Clarke, he has been involved in the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra and previously the Preparatory Strings Orchestra since 1998.

He has also studied piano with Pat Ward and trumpet and French horn with Mike George.

He has been a member of Tennessee’s All State Orchestra as a First violinist the past two years. He attended The Governors School for the Arts in 2006 as well as the Triple Threat String Camp at Belmont University in Nashville. He plans to study violin in college, majoring in music education.

Jesse Kasinger

Violin – Viotti Concerto No. 22, I. Moderato

Jesse Kasinger is a 9th grade homeschooler. He is the only son of Buddy and Thuy Kasinger from Springfield, TN. His mother began teaching him violin at 9, but is now currently studying with Denise Baker at Blair. He has been a recipient of the Potter Pre-College Scholarship at Blair School of Music and has placed first in the Regionals and State TACS Fine Arts Competition for string solo. He has been a member of the MYO for three years. He is also a member of his church orchestra where he frequently plays solos and ensembles. Jesse and his family visits nursing homes weekly to play their violins and his two younger sisters sing.

In addition to violin, Jesse also takes martial arts, where he holds a second degree brown belt in Isshinryu Karate. He participates in IKA Youth Tournaments, where he has placed first and second in sparing and katas. His hobbies also include basketball and soccer.

He appreciates his parents and music teachers for their investment in all his musical accomplishments.

His future aspirations would to become a virtuoso and coach basketball for a christian school.

Junior Division 2007-2008

Christa MacKrell
1st Place— Violin: Violin Concerto No. 7 in a minor, Pierre Rode

Collin Lewis
2nd Place – Clarinet: Concerto No. 3 in B-flat, Carl Stamitz

Senior Division 2006-2007

Daniel Lee

Violin – Concerto No. 4 in D Minor: I. Andante – Moderato: Henri Vieuxtemps

Daniel Lee lives in Coalmont, Tennessee. He is home schooled and a junior in high school. He started playing the violin at the age of seven, and currently studies with Dr. Ann Rylands in Chattanooga. He also began playing the piano at the age of six and is now studying with Kay Rhee at the Blair School of Music. This year, Daniel received the Potter pre-college scholarship for violin and piano at the Blair School of Music.

Daniel has been a member of the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra for six years, as well as a member of the Curb Youth Symphony for two years. last summer Daniel received a scholarship to attend the Sewanee Summer Music Festival. After high school Daniel is planning to continue his studies in music or optometry, preferably at Vanderbilt University. Daniel likes to read, ride his ATV and play the saxophone.

David Zimmerman

Tuba – Tuba Concerto: I. Allegro: Edward Gregson

David Zimmerman is a senior at Tullahoma High School. He is the son of Duff and Meg Zimmerman of Winchester. David began playing tuba in sixth grade. He studies privately with Atticus Hensley. David has also played electric bass guitar since 8th grade. He participates in many musical organizations including jazz band, jazz combo, youth hand-bell choir, church ensembles, and several rock bands.

David has been a member of the 1st Mid-State band for six consecutive years and a member of the All-State band for three successive years. This summer he attended Interlochen Arts Camp and was 1st chair in the World Youth Wind Symphony. David was also selected as one of six high school tuba players in the country to attend the semi-finals of the Falcone International Tuba and Euphonium Competition. The previous summer, David attended the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts and performed in the Honors Recital. He has attended workshops and festivals at the University of TN, TN Technological Institute, and Middle Tennessee State University.

In addition to his musical accomplishments, David is also a National Merit Commended Student and has won numerous regional and state math awards. After high school, David plans to attend either Stanford or Vanderbilt University.

Junior Division 2006-2007

Christa MacKrell
1st Place – Violin: Violin Concerto No. 3, I. Allegro: W.A. Mozart

Cana MacKrell
2nd Place – Violin: Concerto in the Style of Vivaldi, I. Allegro: F. Kreisler

Tyler Loucky
Honorable Mention – Cello: Nora Lee, Viola

Senior Division 2005-2006

Elizabeth Gassler
Cello – Allegro appassionato, Saint-Saens.

Elizabeth Gassler is junior in high school at Cedar Hall School in Christiana. Elizabeth, daughter of John and Ellen Gassler, is the youngest of three children in a musical family and has enjoyed music from a very early age.

She began singing in a local children’s choir at age three and began studying piano the same year. Elizabeth took up the cello at age nine, studying in Murfreesboro with Jean Bills and continuing with her until she was fifteen.

She now studies in Knoxville with Alicia Randisi-Hooker. Elizabeth joined the Preparatory String Orchestra in 2001 and the MYO in 2003. Elizabeth has attended the Central Pennsylvania Suzuki Institute for four years. She has participated in the Mid State Orchestra Clinics for five years and has been selected for All State Orchestra for the past two years. Elizabeth also has participated in the Advanced Summer Orchestra in the Franklin, TN Cello Workshop at UT Knoxville and the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts in 2005. Elizabeth currently participates in the Curb Youth Symphony in Nashville under the direction of Carol Nies, as well as the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra.

Kyle Hayes
French Horn – Horn Concerto No. 1 in E-flat
Kyle Hayes is a senior at Siegel High School, where he participates in concert band, symphonic band, jazz band, and the horn ensemble. He has performed with the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra since 2003 and also performs with the MYO Chamber Ensemble for various civic organizations throughout the region. He currently performs with Murfreesboro Chamber Winds, under the direction of Ken Ozimek. He has attended the Southeast Chamber Music Institute in Cookeville, TN and The Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts.

He has played the French Horn since 2002, studying privately with Mike George, Linda Patterson, and currently with Radu Rusu at Middle Tennessee State University. Kyle also plays the flute, clarinet, piano, and the trumpet.

Kyle enjoys playing pool and going to Starbucks. After graduating from high school, He plans to double major in Music Education and Music Performance. He plans to play with a professional orchestra as well as teach high school music.

Heather Nagy
Honorable Mention – Flute

Craig Bullington
Honorable Mention – Violin

Junior Division 2005-2006

1^st Place—Charis MacKrell, Violin. Concerto in G, Haydn, I. Allegro moderato
2^nd Place—Christa MacKrell, Violin. Concerto in A, Vivaldi, I. Allegro

Senior Division 2004-2005

Kimberly Frederick, violin—Romance in F—Ludwig van Beethoven. 11^th grade, Aaron Academy.
Elizabeth Hunt, oboe—Haydn Oboe Concerto in C. 11^th grade, Siegel High School.
Honorable Mention—Daniel Wood, trombone

Junior Division 2004-2005

1^st Place—Jamie Motok, Violin
2^nd Place—Christa Mackrell, Violin

2003-2004 Winners

1^st Place—Beth Ervin – Flute, 12^th grade – Blackman High School
2^nd Place—Jesse Langston – Clarinet, 12^th grade - McMinnville High School
3^rd Place—Sean Donovan – French Horn, 12^th grade – Oakland High School
Honorable Mention—Shannon Stewart, 9^th grade – Antioch High School