High school students win big at music competition

  Arts+Culture   College of Arts & Sciences  

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Hole Memorial Auditorium was lit up by the sounds of young musicians as they all showcased their talents in various instruments for the annual Promising Young Artist Scholarship Competition.

Pianist Thomas Kim from Chino Hills High School won first place in La Sierra's annual Promising Young Artist competition.
Pianist Thomas Kim from Chino Hills High School won first place in La Sierra's annual Promising Young Artist competition.
Cellist Nicolas Belliard of Dikaios Christian Academy won second place in the music competition for high schoolers.
Cellist Nicolas Belliard of Dikaios Christian Academy won second place in the music competition for high schoolers.
Loma Linda Academy juniors Emily Pangalila, violin (above) and flutist Isabel Serrano (below) tied for third place as Promising Young Artists.
Loma Linda Academy juniors Emily Pangalila, violin (above) and flutist Isabel Serrano (below) tied for third place as Promising Young Artists.

The La Sierra University Department of Music hosted the 5th annual competitive event on March 13. High school juniors and seniors, including equivalent home-school students, were invited to submit applications and audition for the event. More than 10 signed up, and from those, seven high school students proceeded to the performance portion of the competition. Four winners were selected amongst the group.

Between Feb. 1 and Feb. 8, applications, repertoire, and audition videos were screened. The students were required to choose two contrasting works that demonstrate lyric and technical ability or one large work that contains both. The top three prize-winners are expected to attend La Sierra and be involved with the music department, maintain a 3.2 GPA each quarter, and maintain a minimum of 14 units each quarter. Juniors are not allowed to compete for first or second prize, but are able to apply again during their senior year.

The first place winner was Thomas Kim, 17, a senior from Chino Hills High School in Chino Hills. He won both a $10,000 scholarship to attend La Sierra and a $500 cash prize. He performed “Ballade No. 1” by Frédéric Chopin on the piano. “I chose that specific piece because I feel that it becomes a part of me onstage,” said Kim. He has played the piano for 11 years. Kim plans to pursue both a career and degree in music.

“Hours of practice paid off when [Elvin Rodriguez, music department chair] called my name,” said Kim.

Second place was awarded to cellist Nicolás Belliard, 18, a senior from Dikaios Christian Academy in San Bernardino. He was awarded both a $5,000 scholarship to attend La Sierra and a $350 cash prize. Belliard performed one of his favorite pieces, “Solo Cello Sonata” by Zoltan Kodaly. “I really like the melody that can be heard throughout the piece and there are so many unique parts of the song that are technically demanding,” said Belliard. He currently teaches students and hopes to continue that in the future along with collaborating with other musicians with chamber music and orchestra.

The third place winners were violinist Emily Pangalila and flutist Isabel Serrano, both high school juniors at Loma Linda Academy. They were each awarded a $2,000 scholarship to attend La Sierra and a $150 cash prize. Serrano used this competition as an opportunity to get more on-stage experience. She plans to continue music studies when she gets to college and is considering a career in professional orchestra.

“I was very excited to win the award and also a little shocked. It isn’t too common for woodwinds to win competitions like this. Overall, I was very happy and thankful to God for this great opportunity,” said Serrano.

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