Welcome to the String Division
We offer two different main tiers of classes. 1. Non-Competition, 2. Competition Classes (please read below for more detail). Chose your instrument below and click on the class for 2025 information.
Each class has a total time limit, which includes both your performance and the adjudication. We recommend using about half of your time for performing and leaving the other half for feedback from the adjudicator.
The String Division at Musicfest Northwest invites string musicians of all skill level to participate in this exciting celebration of string performance. Open to players of violin, viola, cello, and bass this division caters to musicians at all levels. Participants will receive insightful feedback from professional adjudicators, enhancing their skills and performance experience. Teachers will find a great opportunity for their students to shine, while parents can support their young artists in an encouraging environment that promotes growth and artistic expression.
Upper Strings
COMPETITION CLASSES
- String Young Artist Class
- String Solo Class
- String Solo Adjudicator’s Choice Class
- String Unaccompanied Romantic or Contemporary Class
- String Unaccompanied Bach Competition Class
- String Piano Sonata Class
- Violin Showcase Classes
- Strings Ensemble Class (S101 – S103)
- String Concerto Class (medal)
- String Mixed Instrumentation Chamber Music Class
- String BIPOC and Women Composers Class
- String Popular Music Class
ADJUDICATION-ONLY CLASSES
- String Contemporary Class
- String Concerto Class
- String Concert Works Class
- String Unaccompanied Bach Class
- String Open Class
INTRODUCTORY MASTERCLASSES
COMPETITION CLASSES
- String Young Artist Class
- String Solo Class
- String Solo Adjudicator’s Choice Class
- String Unaccompanied Romantic or Contemporary Class
- String Unaccompanied Bach Competition Class
- String Piano Sonata Class
- Strings Ensemble Class (S101 – S103)
- String Concerto Class (medal)
- String Mixed Instrumentation Chamber Music Class
- String BIPOC and Women Composers Class
- String Popular Music Class
ADJUDICATION-ONLY CLASSES
- String Contemporary Class
- String Concerto Class
- String Concert Works Class
- String Unaccompanied Bach Class
- String Open Class
INTRODUCTORY MASTERCLASSES
Lower Strings
- String Young Artist Class
- String Solo Class
- String Solo Adjudicator’s Choice Class
- String Unaccompanied Romantic or Contemporary Class
- String Unaccompanied Bach Competition Class
- String Piano Sonata Class
- Strings Ensemble Class (S101 – S103)
- String Concerto Class (medal)
- String Mixed Instrumentation Chamber Music Class
- Cello Popper Etude Class
- String BIPOC and Women Composers Class
- String Popular Music Class
ADJUDICATION-ONLY CLASSES
- String Contemporary Class
- String Concerto Class
- String Concert Works Class
- String Unaccompanied Bach Class
- String Open Class
INTRODUCTORY MASTERCLASSES
- String Young Artist Class
- String Solo Class
- String Solo Adjudicator’s Choice Class
- String Unaccompanied Romantic or Contemporary Class
- String Unaccompanied Bach Competition Class
- String Piano Sonata Class
- Strings Ensemble Class (S101 – S103)
- String Concerto Class (medal)
- String Mixed Instrumentation Chamber Music Class
- String BIPOC and Women Composers Class
- String Popular Music Class
ADJUDICATION-ONLY CLASSES
- String Contemporary Class
- String Concerto Class
- String Concert Works Class
- String Unaccompanied Bach Class
- String Open Class
INTRODUCTORY MASTERCLASSES
String Division Fact Sheet
NON-COMPETITION CLASSES
- Introductory Masterclasses are for those who would like to perform and receive feedback, but not receive a numerical score. The relaxed and encouraging atmosphere of the masterclass is perfect for musicians of any age (studying privately or not), who are beginners or intermediates, or who just want to try out their pieces and get helpful suggestions from an outstanding adjudicator. Memory is optional, and pieces need not be completely polished. Any repertoire (in any style) that does not exceed 6 minutes may be chosen in order to allow for ample adjudication time on the piece. Piano accompaniment is optional. Introductory Masterclasses offer participants the opportunity to perform a piece of their choice and receive written and oral feedback from the adjudicator. The music may be from any era or genre of music.
- Adjudication-Only Classes are for those who wish to receive feedback and a numerical score. Memory is optional. Piano accompaniment is expected when appropriate. Adjudicator will offer written and oral feedback along with a numerical score. No medals are awarded. Participants may be chosen to play on the KPBX public radio at the discretion of the adjudicator.
COMPETITION CLASSES
- *Competition Classes (marked by an asterisk) are for those who wish to compete for medals. Memory is required unless otherwise stated. Piano accompaniment is expected when/where appropriate. Adjudicator will offer written and oral feedback, along with a numerical score. Gold/silver medals are awarded at the discretion of the adjudicator. Medal winners may be invited to perform live on the KPBX radio. Participants may be chosen to play on the KPBX public radio at the discretion of the adjudicator.
- **Adjudicators’ Choice Class (marked by a double asterisk) indicate a competition class where participants receive written and oral feedback, along with a numerical score. Gold/silver medals are awarded at the discretion of the adjudicator. The gold medal winner with the highest score in any 9th-12th grade Adjudicators choice, will be invited to perform a piece no longer than 5 minutes (this may mean there will be cuts in the piece) at the Festival Highlights concert at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center.The gold medal winner with the highest score in any College Adjudicators choice, will be invited to perform a piece no longer than 5 minutes (this may mean there will be cuts in the piece) at the Festival College Collage concert at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center. Participants may be chosen to play on the KPBX public radio at the discretion of the adjudicator.
- The Young Artist Competition is the highest level of competition and is reserved for those ages 16-29. The gold medal winner performs with the Spokane Symphony in the Young Artist Concert at the Fox Theater, and receives a cash prize. Ballet Young Artist performer performs in the Festival Highlights Concert at the Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center, and receives a cash prize. Memory is required unless otherwise stated. Piano accompaniment is required when appropriate. Participants may be chosen to play on the KPBX public radio at the discretion of the adjudicator.
STRING YOUNG ARTIST CLASS
We invited you to perform a selected piece(s) of your choice, as well as the required concerto movement for your respective instrument (listed below). This class requires participation in both sections.
- Entry Fee for Young Artist Class is $100
- The Young Artist Participant must be between the ages of 16 and 29, as of May 1st prior to the festival.
- Performance Requirements for this class are as follows: (see below for section details)
- S1A – Personal Choice Solo
- S1B – Required Repertoire
The winner, with a grade of at least 97, will receive an award of $500 and must be available to play with the Spokane Symphony Orchestra at the Young Artist Concert. The concert will be on Friday, October 10th, 2025 with a rehearsal on either October 8th or 9th.
- Gold Medal Prize – $500
Notes:
A teacher may not accompany their own student in this class.
Young Artist winners are not eligible to compete as a Young Artist in the same division in any subsequent festival.
Young Artist participants may not participate in multiple Young Artist divisions in the same festival year. Young Artist participants may participate in Adjudicator Choice classes, however they will not be eligible for an Adjudicator Choice Award if they have been selected as winner in their Young Artist class.
See Rules and Regulations on the Festival page.
S1A String Young Artist Personal Choice Section
Memorization is required.
Participants are allowed to play any piece that they feel best displays their musical ability and artistry.
This piece may not be played in any other class.
Time Limit: Selection must be between 4 and 10 minutes in length.
Note: If the required piece is a movement from a concerto, the personal choice piece should not be another movement from that work.
S1B String Young Artist Required Repertoire Section
Young Artist required piece must be memorized.
Young Artist Required Repertoire:
- Violin: Zigeunerweisen, Op 20 – Pablo de Sarasate
- Viola: Andante and Rondo ungarese, Op. 35 – Carl Maria von Weber
- Cello: Hungarian Rhapsody, Op. 68 – David Popper
- Bass: Concerto No. 2 (solo tuning), Movement I – Allegro moderato – Giovanni Bottesini
UPPER STRING SOLO CLASS
Welcome to the String Solo Class!
We invite those soloists that are seeking competition and adjudication at a more challenging level. Participants in this class should prepare a solo selection from the list below. These classes are not defined by age or grade in school, but by difficulty of required pieces.
Note: These classes will be adjudicated for medals only.
* SU2 Upper String Solo Level 1A / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
Must be memorized.
Required Pieces:
- Violin—Concerto No. 5, Op. 22, 1st movement, F. Seitz (Suzuki Violin Book 4)
- Viola—Concerto No. 5, Op. 22, 1st movement, F. Seitz (Suzuki Viola Book 4)
* SU3 Upper String Solo Level 1B / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
Must be memorized:
Required Pieces:
- Violin—The Boy Paganini Fantasia, Mollenhauer (found in Barbara Barber Book 2)
- Viola—Spanish Dance, op. 12, no. 1, Moszkowski/Scharwenka/Barber: (found in Barber Solos for young Violinist vol. 2)
* SU4 Upper String Solo Level 2A / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
Must be memorized.
Required Pieces:
- Violin—Salut d’Amour Elgar Elgar, Edward – Salut d’amour, Op 12 – Violin and Piano – edited by Donald Burrows – Edition Peters URTEXT (either version 1 or version 2)
- Viola—Album Leaves op. 39, movement 2, Andante sostenuto, Hans Sitt (found in Barbara Barber Solos for viola book 4)
* SU5 Upper String Solo Level 2B / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
Must be memorized.
Required Pieces:
- Violin—Allegro Brillante, Op. 19, Ten Have (found in Barbara Barber Violin Solos Book 4)
- Viola—Pastorale and Gavotte, Op. 32, No. 1, Hermann Ritter (found in Barbara Barber Viola Solos Book 4)
LOWER STRING SOLO CLASS
Welcome to the String Solo Class!
We invite those soloists that are seeking competition and adjudication at a more challenging level. Participants in this class should prepare a solo selection from the list below. These classes are not defined by age or grade in school, but by difficulty of required pieces.
Note: These classes will be adjudicated for medals only.
* SL2 Lower String Solo Level 1A / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
Must be memorized.
Required Pieces:
- Cello—Gabriel Marie. La Cinquantaine found in Suzuki Cello book 3, and Solo for the Cello Player by Otto Deri.
- Bass—Brahms Waltz, Op. 39, No. 15, Brahms – found in Progressive Repertoire for the Double Bass – Volume 2 by George Vance
* SL3 Lower String Solo Level 1B / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
Must be memorized:
Required Pieces:
- Cello—Bourrée, Op. 24, Squire. Many editions such as International Edition, Schirmer etc.
- Bass—Scherzo, Carl Webster. Suzuki bass School, book 3
* SL4 Lower String Solo Level 2A / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
Must be memorized.
Required Pieces:
- Cello—Sicilienne, Paradis (Dushkin) published by Schott, or others. Found at Shar Music etc.
- Bass—Berceuse, Jarnefelt, as found in Progressive Repertoire for the Double Bass – Volume 3 by George Vance
* SL5 Lower String Solo Level 2B / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
Must be memorized.
Required Pieces:
- Cello— Sonata No. 5 in E minor, RV 40. 4th movement, Allegro, Vivaldi. Schott (and other publishers). Can be found at SHAR Music, and many companies.
- Bass—Sonata No. 3 in A Minor, mvt. II, Vivaldi – published by International
UPPER STRING SOLO ADJUDICATORS CHOICE CLASS
Welcome to the String Solo Adjudicators Choice Class!
We invite soloists that are seeking competition and adjudication at a more challenging level. Participants in this class should prepare a solo selection from the list below. These classes are not defined by age or grade in school, but by difficulty of required pieces.
The winner with the highest score will be invited to play in the Festival Highlights Concert on Friday evening. If the winner of the class is unable to perform in the concert, it may be offered to a qualified alternate as determined by the adjudicator.
** SU6 Upper String Solo Level 3A (Adjudicators Choice) / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
Must be memorized
Required Pieces:
- Violin—Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, second movement, Adagio, Bruch. International or any other publisher
- Viola—Elegie, Fauré, edited by Milton Katims – International Edition
** SU7 Upper String Solo Level 3B (Adjudicators Choice) / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
Must be memorized
Required Pieces:
- Violin—Concerto No. 1 in g minor, Op. 26, 3rd Movement, Finale, Bruch. International or any other publisher
- Viola—Concerto in C Major, third movement, Rondo, Joseph Schubert. Published by Schott
LOWER STRING SOLO ADJUDICATORS CHOICE CLASS
Welcome to the String Solo Adjudicators Choice Class!
We invite soloists that are seeking competition and adjudication at a more challenging level. Participants in this class should prepare a solo selection from the list below. These classes are not defined by age or grade in school, but by difficulty of required pieces.
The winner with the highest score will be invited to play in the Festival Highlights Concert on Friday evening. If the winner of the class is unable to perform in the concert, it may be offered to a qualified alternate as determined by the adjudicator.
** SL6 Lower String Solo Level 3A (Adjudicators Choice) / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
Must be memorized
Required Pieces:
- Cello—Aprés Un Reve, Fauré, published by International or Schott Music Sheet Music Pl. Can be found at Shar Music and many places
- Bass—Vocalise, Rachmaninoff, found in Zimerman Solos for the Bass Player
** SL7 Lower String Solo Level 3B (Adjudicators Choice) / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
Must be memorized
Required Pieces:
- Cello—Toccata for Cello and Piano, Frescobaldi-Cassadó, published by Muzyczne or Universal Editions. Can be found at Shar Music and many companies
- Bass—Concerto, mvt. 1, Dragonetti – published by International
UPPER STRING UNACCOMPANIED BACH COMPETITION CLASS
Welcome to the String Unaccompanied Bach Competition Class!
We invite you to prepare one or more movements from the Bach Solo Sonatas and Partitas or Bach Cello Suites. Transcriptions for Viola and Bass allowed. This class is not defined by age or grade in school, but by difficulty of required pieces.
Note: You may choose a movement that exceeds 10 minutes, but the adjudicator may cut you off. These classes will be adjudicated for medals only.
* SU8 Upper String Unaccompanied Bach Competition / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
Must be memorized.
LOWER STRING UNACCOMPANIED BACH COMPETITION CLASS
Welcome to the String Unaccompanied Bach Competition Class!
We invite you to prepare one or more movements from the Bach Solo Sonatas and Partitas or Bach Cello Suites. Transcriptions for Viola and Bass allowed. This class is not defined by age or grade in school, but by difficulty of required pieces.
Note: You may choose a movement that exceeds 10 minutes, but the adjudicator may cut you off. These classes will be adjudicated for medals only.
* SL8 Lower String Unaccompanied Bach Competition / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
Must be memorized.
UPPER STRING PIANO SONATA CLASS
Welcome to the String Piano Sonata Class!
We invite you to prepare a string-piano sonata movement of your choice. The pianist may be a student or professional. Classes are divided by your age/grade level in school.
Note: You may choose a movement that exceeds the allotted time, but the adjudicator may cut you off. These classes will be adjudicated for medals only.
* SU9 Upper 1st-8th Grade String-Piano Sonata / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
** SU10 Upper 9th-12th Grades – String-Piano Sonata / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
** SU11 Upper College – String-Piano Sonata / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
The winner of the College String-Piano Sonata class, with a grade of 97 or above, will receive a Gold Medal and the opportunity to perform in our College Collage Concert on Thursday night, May 15th, in the Myrtle Woldson PAC.
To be eligible for an award, participants must be available to play at the First Annual College Collage on Thursday night. If the winner of the class cannot take advantage of an award, it may be offered to a qualified alternate, as determined by the adjudicator.
Participants may not enter the String Young Artist in the same year.
Time Limit: 15 minutes
LOWER STRING PIANO SONATA CLASS
Welcome to the String Piano Sonata Class!
We invite you to prepare a string-piano sonata movement of your choice. The pianist may be a student or professional. Classes are divided by your age/grade level in school.
Note: You may choose a movement that exceeds the allotted time, but the adjudicator may cut you off. These classes will be adjudicated for medals only.
* SL9 Lower 1st-8th Grade String-Piano Sonata / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
** SL10 Lower 9th-12th Grades – String-Piano Sonata / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
** SL11 Lower College – String-Piano Sonata / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
The winner of the College String-Piano Sonata class, with a grade of 97 or above, will receive a Gold Medal and the opportunity to perform in our College Collage Concert on Thursday night, May 15th, in the Myrtle Woldson PAC.
To be eligible for an award, participants must be available to play at the First Annual College Collage on Thursday night. If the winner of the class cannot take advantage of an award, it may be offered to a qualified alternate, as determined by the adjudicator.
Participants may not enter the String Young Artist in the same year.
Time Limit: 15 minutes
VIOLIN SHOWCASE CLASSES
Welcome to the Violin Showcase Classes
We invite you to prepare a selection by Kreisler, Paganini (Caprice), Wieniawski or Sarasate, Drdla, Hubay, or Vieuxtemps.
Note: These classes are for medals. Violin only.
*SU34 Violin Showcase (34 Kreisler) / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
Choose one piece from the following list: Must be memorized.
- Caprice Viennois, Op. 2
- Tambourin Chinois, Op. 3
- Liebesfreud
- Liebesleid
- Schöen Rosmarin
- La Gitana
- Tempo di Minuetto
- Menuet in the style of Porpora
- Variations on a Theme by Corelli in the Style of Tartini
- Sicilienne and Rigaudon in the Style of Francoeur
- Praeludium and Allegro in the Style of Paganani
- Syncopation
- Danse Espagnole From La Vida Breve (Da Falla)
- Spanish Dance in E minor (Granados)
*SU36 Violin Showcase (36 Paganini Caprice) / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
Paganini Caprice of your choice. Must be memorized.
*SU38 Violin Showpiece / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
We invite you to prepare a short or medium length piece for violin and piano that shows off the violinist’s skills. This piece should be a virtuosic show piece. For example, dances by Sarasate, Wieniawski’s Scherzo Tarantella, either of the Polonaise Brillantes, or pieces by Drdla, Hubay, Bazzini, Ernst, Vieuxtemps etc. No concertos or single movements of multi-movement pieces.
Time Limit: 15 minutes
Memorization is required
STRING ENSEMBLE CLASS
Ensemble classes are designated for groups of musicians performing on instruments that all reside in the same family (I.e. brass ensemble, string ensemble, reed ensemble, voice ensemble). This class is NOT intended for groups of mixed instrumentation. Please note that while only one registration should be permitted per ensemble per division, ALL performers should be listed on the registration form.
* S101 Not Over 8th Grade String Ensemble / Entry Fee: 60.00 USD
This class is for string duos, trios, quartets, quintets, sextets and octets.
Time Limit: 15 minutes
* S102 9th-12th Grade String Ensemble / Entry Fee: 60.00 USD
This class is for string duos, trios, quartets, quintets, sextets and octets.
Time Limit: 15 minutes
* S103 College/Adult String Ensemble / Entry Fee: 60.00 USD
This class is for string duos, trios, quartets, quintets, sextets and octets.
Time Limit: 15 minutes
UPPER STRING CONTEMPORARY CLASS
We invite musicians of any skill or experience level to perform a selection of their choice. Please prepare a piece composed between 1920 and the present that displays your musical ability and artistry.
Note: This class is for adjudication only.
SU13 Upper String Contemporary / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
LOWER STRING CONTEMPORARY CLASS
Welcome to the String Contemporary Class!
We invite musicians of any skill or experience level to perform a selection of their choice. Please prepare a piece composed between 1920 and the present that displays your musical ability and artistry.
Note: This class is for adjudication only.
SL13 Lower String Contemporary / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
UPPER STRING CONCERTO CLASS
We invite musicians of any skill or experience level to perform a concerto movement of their choice, within their grade in school. Please prepare a piece that represents your musical ability and artistry.
Note: These classes are adjudication only with no age restriction.
SU15 Upper String 1st-6th Grades Concerto / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
SU16 Upper String 7th-8th Grades Concerto / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
SU17 Upper String 9th-10th Grades Concerto / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
SU18 Upper String 11th-12th Grades Concerto / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
SU19 Upper College/Adult Concerto / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
LOWER STRING CONCERTO CLASS
We invite musicians of any skill or experience level to perform a concerto movement of their choice, within their grade in school. Please prepare a piece that represents your musical ability and artistry.
Note: These classes are adjudication only with no age restriction.
SL15 Lower String 1st-6th Grades Concerto / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
SL16 Lower String 7th-8th Grades Concerto / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
SL17 Lower String 9th-10th Grades Concerto / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
SL18 Lower String 11th-12th Grades Concerto / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
SL19 Lower College/Adult Concerto / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
UPPER STRING CONCERTO CLASS (MEDAL)
Welcome to the String Concerto Class!
We invite musicians of any skill or experience level to perform a concerto movement of their choice, within their grade in school. Please prepare a piece that represents your musical ability and artistry.
* SU37 Upper Advanced Concerto (Medal Class) / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
For Mozart-level concertos and above. One movement of any advanced-level concerto.
Note: This class DOES qualify for a medal.
Memorization is required
Time Limit: 15 minutes
LOWER STRING CONCERTO CLASS (MEDAL)
Welcome to the String Concerto Class!
We invite musicians of any skill or experience level to perform a concerto movement of their choice, within their grade in school. Please prepare a piece that represents your musical ability and artistry.
* SL37 Lower Advanced Concerto (Medal Class) / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
For Mozart-level concertos and above. One movement of any advanced-level concerto.
Note: This class DOES qualify for a medal.
Memorization is required
Time Limit: 15 minutes
UPPER STRING CONCERT WORKS CLASS
We invite musicians of any skill or experience level to perform a string concert selection from a major work.
Note: These classes are adjudication only with no age restriction.
SU20 Upper String Concert Piece / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Music should be a major work, comparable to “Introduction and Rondo Capriccio” by Saint-Saens or “Poeme” by Chausson.
Time Limit: 15 minutes
SU21 Upper String Double Concerto or Concert Duo / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
LOWER STRING CONCERT WORKS CLASS
We invite musicians of any skill or experience level to perform a string concert selection from a major work.
Note: These classes are adjudication only with no age restriction.
SL20 Lower String Concert Piece / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Music should be a major work, comparable to “Introduction and Rondo Capriccio” by Saint-Saens or “Poeme” by Chausson.
Time Limit: 15 minutes
SL21 Lower String Double Concerto or Concert Duo / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
UPPER STRING UNACCOMPANIED BACH CLASS
Welcome to the String Unaccompanied Bach Class!
We invite you to prepare one major movement, e.g., a fugue or prelude, etc. or two shorter movements e.g., a gigue and a gavotte, etc.
Note: These classes are adjudication only with no age restriction.
SU23 Upper Unaccompanied Bach / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Does not need to be memorized.
Time Limit: 15 minutes
LOWER STRING UNACCOMPANIED BACH CLASS
Welcome to the String Unaccompanied Bach Class!
We invite you to prepare one major movement, e.g., a fugue or prelude, etc. or two shorter movements e.g., a gigue and a gavotte, etc.
Note: These classes are adjudication only with no age restriction.
SL23 Lower Unaccompanied Bach / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Does not need to be memorized.
Time Limit: 15 minutes
UPPER STRING OPEN CLASS (ADJUDICATION ONLY)
Welcome to the String Open Class (Adjudication only)!
We invite musicians of any skill or experience level to perform a selection of their choice, within their grade in school. You should prepare a piece that represents your musical ability and artistry.
Note: These classes are adjudication only and open to all who wish adjudication on any published work
(Same music cannot be performed in any other section by the same entrant).
SU24 Upper String Open Elementary Through 3rd Grade / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Not over 2 years of study.
Time limit: 15 min
SU25 Upper String Open Elementary 4th-6th Grades / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Not over 2 years of study.
Time limit: 15 min
SU26 Upper String Open Elementary 7th-8th Grades / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Not over 2 years of study.
Time limit: 15 min
SU27 Upper String Open Intermediate Through 3rd Grade / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
More Than 2 years of study.
Time limit: 15 min
SU28 Upper String Open Intermediate 4th-6th Grades / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
More than 2 years of study.
Time limit: 15 min
SU29 Upper String Open Intermediate 7th-8th Grades / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
More than 2 years of study.
Time Limit: 15 minutes
SU30 Upper String Open 9th-10th Grades / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
SU31 Upper String Open 11th-12th Grades / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
SU32 Upper String Open College / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
SU33 Upper String Open Adult Beginner / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
For age 16 and over.
Time Limit: 15 minutes
LOWER STRING OPEN CLASS (ADJUDICATION ONLY)
Welcome to the String Open Class (Adjudication only)!
We invite musicians of any skill or experience level to perform a selection of their choice, within their grade in school. You should prepare a piece that represents your musical ability and artistry.
Note: These classes are adjudication only and open to all who wish adjudication on any published work
(Same music cannot be performed in any other section by the same entrant).
SL24 Lower String Open Elementary Through 3rd Grade / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Not over 2 years of study.
Time limit: 15 min
SL25 Lower String Open Elementary 4th-6th Grades / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Not over 2 years of study.
Time limit: 15 min
SL26 Lower String Open Elementary 7th-8th Grades / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Not over 2 years of study.
Time limit: 15 min
SL27 Lower String Open Intermediate Through 3rd Grade / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
More Than 2 years of study.
Time limit: 15 min
SL28 Lower String Open Intermediate 4th-6th Grades / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
More than 2 years of study.
Time limit: 15 min
SL29 Lower String Open Intermediate 7th-8th Grades / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
More than 2 years of study.
Time Limit: 15 minutes
SL30 Lower String Open 9th-10th Grades / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
SL31 Lower String Open 11th-12th Grades / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
SL32 Lower String Open College / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
SL33 Lower String Open Adult Beginner / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
For age 16 and over.
Time Limit: 15 minutes
UPPER STRING INTRODUCTORY MASTERCLASS
We invite musicians of any skill or experience level to perform a selection of their choice, within their grade in school.
Introductory Masterclasses are for those who would like to perform and receive feedback, but not receive a numerical score. The relaxed and encouraging atmosphere of the masterclass is perfect for musicians of any age (studying privately or not), who are beginners or intermediates, or who just want to try out their pieces and get helpful suggestions from an outstanding adjudicator.
Memory is optional, and pieces need not be completely polished. Any repertoire (in any style) that does not exceed 6 minutes may be chosen in order to allow for ample adjudication time on the piece. Piano accompaniment is optional.
Introductory Masterclasses offer participants the opportunity to perform a piece of their choice and receive written and oral feedback from the adjudicator. The music may be from any era or genre of music.
SU45 Upper String Introductory Masterclass 1st – 6th Grade / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time limit: 15 min
SU46 Upper String Introductory Masterclass 7th – 8th Grade / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time limit: 15 min
SU47 Upper String Introductory Masterclass 9th – 12th Grade / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time limit: 15 min
SU48 Upper String Introductory Masterclass Adult / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time limit: 15 min
LOWER STRING INTRODUCTORY MASTERCLASS
We invite musicians of any skill or experience level to perform a selection of their choice, within their grade in school.
Introductory Masterclasses are for those who would like to perform and receive feedback, but not receive a numerical score. The relaxed and encouraging atmosphere of the masterclass is perfect for musicians of any age (studying privately or not), who are beginners or intermediates, or who just want to try out their pieces and get helpful suggestions from an outstanding adjudicator.
Memory is optional, and pieces need not be completely polished. Any repertoire (in any style) that does not exceed 6 minutes may be chosen in order to allow for ample adjudication time on the piece. Piano accompaniment is optional.
Introductory Masterclasses offer participants the opportunity to perform a piece of their choice and receive written and oral feedback from the adjudicator. The music may be from any era or genre of music.
SL45 Lower String Introductory Masterclass 1st – 6th Grade / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time limit: 15 min
SL46 Lower String Introductory Masterclass 7th – 8th Grade / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time limit: 15 min
SL47 Lower String Introductory Masterclass 9th – 12th Grade / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time limit: 15 min
SL48 Lower String Introductory Masterclass Adult / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time limit: 15 min
STRING CHAMBER MUSIC CLASS
Welcome to the String Chamber Music Class!
Chamber ensemble classes are designated for groups comprised of instrumentation from different families of instruments (I.e. cello, trumpet, saxophone, violin, piano). Please register within the division that most accurately reflects the representation of your ensemble. Your ensemble may register for one chamber music class within each division that accurately reflects the instrumentation of your ensemble (for example, a piano trio with violin, piano and saxophone may choose to register for chamber classes within the piano division, string division, and reed division). Note that while only one registration should be submitted per ensemble per division, ALL performers should be listed on the registration form.
* S110 9th-12th Grade Chamber Music / Entry Fee: 60.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
* S111 College Level Chamber Music / Entry Fee: 60.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
* S112 Chamber Music Not Over 8th grade / Entry Fee: 60.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
UPPER STRING UNACCOMPANIED ROMANTIC OR CONTEMPORARY CLASS
Welcome to the String Unaccompanied Romantic or Contemporary Class!
*SU39 Upper String Unaccompanied Romantic or Contemporary Works / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Prepare a solo piece from the contemporary or romantic genre. Piece shall not be accompanied and must be memorized.
Time Limit: 8 minutes
LOWER STRING UNACCOMPANIED ROMANTIC OR CONTEMPORARY CLASS
Welcome to the String Unaccompanied Romantic or Contemporary Class!
*SL39 Lower String Unaccompanied Romantic or Contemporary Works / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Prepare a solo piece from the contemporary or romantic genre. Piece shall not be accompanied and must be memorized.
Time Limit: 8 minutes
UPPER STRING BIPOC AND WOMEN COMPOSERS CLASS
As we celebrate diverse voices in music, we invite you to prepare an piece composed by a BIPOC or Female Presenting Composer.
*SU100 Upper String BIPOC and Women Composers Class / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Required Repertoire:
Violin: Summerland, William Grant Still
Viola: Carmela, William Grant Still
Time Limit: 15 minutes
* SU140 Violin BIPOC and Women Composers Class / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
We invite you to prepare any piece from Music by Black Composers, Violin, Volume 2. (musicbyblackcomposers.org)
Time Limit: 15 minutes
LOWER STRING BIPOC AND WOMEN COMPOSERS CLASSS
As we celebrate diverse voices in music, we invite you to prepare an piece composed by a BIPOC or Female Presenting Composer. We encourage you to select a piece that best displays your musical ability and artistry.
*SL100 Lower String BIPOC and Women Composers Class / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
UPPER STRING POPULAR MUSIC
Please choose a piece from a video game theme, movie music, fiddling, etc.
* SU120 Upper String Popular Music / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
LOWER STRING POPULAR MUSIC
Welcome to the Popular Music Class!
Please choose a piece from a video game theme, movie music, fiddling, etc.
* SL120 Lower String Popular Music / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Time Limit: 15 minutes
CELLO POPPER ETUDE CLASS
Welcome to the Cello Popper Etude Class!
*SL40 Cello Popper Etude Class / Entry Fee: 40.00 USD
Choose and perform an etude from David Popper’s 40 Etudes, Op. 73. Etude must be memorized.
Time Limit: 10 minutes
Please review all Festival Rules & Regulations prior to registration.
Lesley Rausch
David Turnbull
Jabarie Glass
Philip Aaberg
Daniel Velasco
Vern Sielert
Brent Edstrom
Eugene Jablonsky
Derek Munson
Silvan Negruţiu
Nancy Breth
Jee Wong
Pierce Emata
Todd Goranson
Sally Singer Tuttle
Margaret Baldridge
Dr. Louise Toppin
Danny Gurwin
Lesley Rausch
Lesley Rausch grew up in Columbus, Ohio, training at Columbus Youth Ballet under
Shir Lee Wu and later at Pacific Northwest Ballet School. She attended summer
intensives at the School of American Ballet, International Dance School, and PNBS.
Lesley joined Pacific Northwest Ballet in 2001, rising to soloist in 2007, and became a
principal in 2011 before retiring in 2023. She captivated audiences in principal roles
across full-length ballets by Kent Stowell, Alexei Ratmansky, Peter Boal, Ronald Hynd
and Jean-Christophe Maillot, as well as in original works by legendary choreographers
George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, William Forsythe, Twyla Tharp, Jiri Kylián, Nacho
Duato, Crystal Pite, David Dawson, Christopher Wheeldon, and many others. She also
originated roles in new works by Jessica Lang, Benjamin Millepied, Edwaard Liang, Val
Caniparoli, and Kiyon Gaines Ross.
A sought-after guest artist, she has performed at the Chicago Dancing Festival, Nevada
Ballet Theatre, Ballet Hawaii, and the Nantucket Atheneum Dance Festival, among
others, and has danced on renowned stages in New York City, Paris, London, Los
Angeles, Washington DC, Istanbul, and Hong Kong.
Beyond performing, Lesley has been a guest instructor at Central Pennsylvania Youth
Ballet, Ballet Hawaii, Evergreen City Ballet, and Montana Ballet Company, where she
also choreographed and staged excerpts of Swan Lake. She was on faculty at Pacific
Northwest Ballet School (2017–2023) and currently teaches at Adage Ballet Academy.
Lesley is a Stott-certified Pilates instructor and certified instructor in Tai Ji Quan: Moving
for Better Balance as well as Madeline Black Series One and Two, specializing in private
instruction for rehabilitation and dance training.
David Turnbull
Associate Director, Professor, Trumpet, Area Coordinator of Brass and Percussion
Dr. David Turnbull, professor of music, coordinates the Brass and Percussion Area in the School of Music at Washington State University. He plays trumpet with the WSU Faculty Brass Quintet and performs with Jazz Northwest (the WSU Faculty Jazz Ensemble).
Recently, Dr. Turnbull joined the Fountain City Brass Band as a cornet player. The Fountain City Brass Band, founded in 2002 (based in Kansas City) draws its membership from around the United States. Since their first competition in 2004, the Fountain City Brass Band has won seven U.S. Open Brass Band Championships and six North American Brass Band Championships.
Turnbull holds a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Trumpet Solo Performance from Arizona State University. He holds a Master of Music Degree in Trumpet Solo Performance from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Music Degree in Education from Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska. He also graduated from the Cooperative Urban Teacher Education Program at Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Missouri.
Turnbull adjudicates throughout the Northwest for marching band competitions and concert band and jazz festivals. His students compete in and win local, national and international competitions.
Philip Aaberg
Philip Aaberg, of Chester, Montana, is known worldwide for his compositions that evoke the spaciousness and beauty of the Western landscape. A Harvard graduate, courtesy of a Leonard Bernstein Scholarship, he has performed with the Boston Pops, Peter Gabriel, Elvin Bishop, and at the Marlboro Chamber Music Festival. He has toured solo in Europe and Japan and released thirteen solo albums… “Live From Montana” was nominated for a Grammy. He is also an Emmy nominee for “All-American Jazz” and for his score for “Class C:The Only Game in Town”. Recipient of a Montana Governor’s Award for the Arts, 2011 Artist’s Innovation Award, an honorary doctorate in music from Montana State University in 2013, and 2015 Montana Governor’s Humanities Award.
Daniel Velasco
Daniel Velasco is an award-winning flutist whose “standout” and “vibrant” performances (Miami Herald) have taken him around the world. He is the first-prize winner of the National Flute Association’s Young Artist Competition, WAMSO Minnesota Orchestra Competition, MTNA Young Artist Competition, Claude Monteux Flute Competition, among others. A Yamaha performing artist, his first solo album, Flauta Andina, with Ellen Sommer (piano), was released in 2022 under the Naxos label.
He has been featured as a guest performer at recital series and flute events across the United States as well as the Swedish Flute Association Convention, the Guadalajara-Mexico Vientos de Otoño Festival, the Festival Internacional de Flautistas en la Mitad del Mundo in Ecuador, the Milan Conservatory, and the Instituto Cervantes in Paris.
Velasco earned a doctoral degree from the University of Miami (Frost School of Music), and holds degrees from the University of Michigan, the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Northern Iowa. His main teachers include Angeleita Floyd, Marianne Gedigian, Amy Porter and Trudy Kane. He serves as Associate Professor of Flute at the University of Kansas.
Vern Sielert
Vern Sielert is Professor of Trumpet and Jazz Studies at the University of Idaho. He holds BM degrees in jazz studies and music education, and a MM degree in jazz studies from the University of North Texas, and a DMA in trumpet performance from the University of Illinois. His compositions and arrangements for jazz orchestra are performed by high school, college and professional groups around the world, including the C.U.G. Big Band (Japan), U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors, U.S. Army Blues, and the Count Basie Orchestra. His playing can be heard on recent recordings by the Jim Knapp Orchestra, Unhinged Sextet, Palouse Jazz Project, Dan Gailey Jazz Orchestra, Greg Yasinitsky’s YAZZ Band, Bob Curnow Big Band, and Phil Kelly’s Northwest Prevailing Winds. Selected arrangements and compositions are published by Sierra Music.
Silvan Negruţiu
Hailed as “a startling and authentic pianist displaying rich imagination and brilliant vigor, whose precision and splendor of keyboard sound certainly inspire a transcendental reality” (The Musical News Journal), Silvan Negruţiu has performed on major international stages, from the Kennedy Center in Washington DC to Ireland’s National Concert Hall, the Romanian Athenaeum in Bucharest, the Xi’an Concert Hall in China, the Showa Recital Hall in Tokyo, and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. His recent albums released by Centaur Records, “Bagatelles” (2021) and “Carl Roskott: Works for Violin” (2018) have garnered rave reviews and a Silver Medal from Global Music Awards. As an artist, a teacher, and a scholar, Silvan Negruțiu embraces the exploration of rare piano literature, along with the advancement of arts entrepreneurship in higher education. He holds degrees from Shenandoah Conservatory in Virginia, the Royal Irish Academy of Music and Dublin City University in Ireland, and the Romanian National University of Music in Bucharest. Silvan Negruțiu serves as the Kitt Endowed Professor in Piano and Director of Piano Studies in the Kitt School of Music at Northern Arizona University. Prior to this appointment, he taught at Millikin University, Shenandoah Conservatory, and the Royal Irish Academy of Music.
Nancy Breth
Nancy Breth grew up in Spokane, where as a student of Margaret Saunders Ott she played in the Greater Spokane Music Festival every year. So MusicFest Northwest occupies a special place in her heart; she is honored to return as an adjudicator.
Nancy teaches piano and chamber music to students of all ages in the Washington DC metro area. Her students have been winners or finalists in local, national and international piano and chamber music competitions. Several appeared on National Public Radio’s “From the Top;” four of her duet teams won MTNA’s national Duet Competition. She enjoys frequent speaking engagements at teachers’ conferences throughout the country, and has been chosen to present at MTNA’s national conference eight times.
Nancy created the Modern Piano Music List as a tool to bring more 20th and 21st century music into our studios. This unique resource for teachers and students of all levels provides links to video performances and purchase sources of over 200 modern piano pieces.
Breth publications (Hal Leonard Corp.) include several books on practicing and Six Songs from John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera, a set of piano trios for beginners. Her YouTube channel Effective Practicing features short videos of her favorite practice tips.
Jee Wong
Jee Wong received his Master’s degree in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy from the University of Montana. He was a staff artist, workshop presenter and adjudicator for Yamaha Piano Company in Japan from 1995 – 1999. He has performed with the late pianist George Winston, choreographer Karen Kaufmann, and R&B artist Brian McKnight. He served as a studio musician for KA by Cirque du Soleil, Lionel Ritchie and Kane Brown.
In the 2024 season his concerts will showcase music by Carlos Chavez, Manuel Ponce and Miguel Jimenez in Mexico, Puerto Rico and South East Asia.
Mr. Wong is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) and an adjudicator for Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). He is currently the President of the Las Vegas Federation of the Music Clubs. In 2024 he inaugurated the Las Vegas Sonata – Sonatina Festival. In 2022 he was awarded the Nevada Music Teacher Association’s Outstanding Music Teacher Award, then in 2023 he was given the Outstanding Service Award by Las Vegas Music Teachers Association.
Mr. Wong is passionate about bring performances to community and schools. His fundraising concerts have raised funds to benefit Corazon de Vida, an organization provide life changing support for abandoned and orphaned children in Baja, Mexico.
Pierce Emata
Across the United States and abroad, in addition to traditional solo concert and orchestral appearances, Bluthner Artist Pierce Kagari Emata is well known for his innovative and entertaining commentary-concerts, trademarked and titled Concerts & Conversation. These presentations bring audiences closer to the artist, his personal experiences, the music, and the personal lives of various composers by including commentaries at various levels with a solo concert. These performances have also been broadcast on National Public Radio affiliates in various states.
Todd Goranson
Todd Goranson, DMA, RN, is Professor of Saxophone and Bassoon at Messiah University (Pennsylvania), where he also teaches music entrepreneurship and jazz curriculum. He holds performance degrees from the University of Idaho and the Doctor of Musical Arts from West Virginia University. An advocate for musicians’ health, he is also a registered nurse who has authored health-related articles and presented at major music conferences and universities throughout the United States.
Dr. Goranson’s diverse saxophone performance credits include performances with Ray Charles, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Johnny Mathis, Utah Symphony, Dallas Winds, and Harrisburg Symphony. He has performed as bassoonist with over twenty professional orchestras in the US, Mexico, Sweden, and China. Goranson is the former principal bassoonist for the Plano Symphony and Irving Symphony, where he performed from 2002-2012. He is a founding member of Triforia Winds, Junction Saxophone Quartet, and Trio Atlantis.
A prolific performer and clinician, he has given concerts and clinics throughout the US and in the United Kingdom, China, Sweden, Mexico, Malaysia, Thailand, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Goranson is a Vandoren Paris Artist-Clinician and Yanagisawa Saxophones Artist. He adjudicates regularly for the ENKOR International Music Competition and for Music in the Parks Festivals.
Sally Singer Tuttle
British-born cellist Dr. Sally Singer Tuttle, noted by The Strad Magazine for her “transforming sweep of gossamer beauty”, has performed as a soloist with the Pleven Philharmonic, Bulgaria, the Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra, New York, the Danbury Symphony, Connecticut, the Washington-Idaho Symphony Orchestra, Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra, Walla Walla Symphony Orchestra and the St. Petersburg Chamber Philharmonic, Russia, amongst others. Chamber performance highlights include the Tanglewood Music Center, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Alice Tully Hall in New York, first prize in the John Ireland Chamber Music Competition, British National Television appearances and the Australian and American Embassies in Ghana. Sally is a member of the Volta Piano Trio, (formerly the Icicle Creek Piano Trio), who released three highly acclaimed albums. Fanfare Magazine wrote of the recording of Schubert’s Piano Trio no. 2 in Eb major, “The performance by this trio comes as close to being “definitive” as any I expect to hear in my lifetime”. Sally attended the Royal Northern College of Music, UK, as an undergraduate and postgraduate student and went on to earn a Doctorate in Musical Arts from Stony Brook University, New York, where she studied with Timothy Eddy. She currently teaches cello at Whitman College.
Sally Singer Tuttle
British-born cellist Dr. Sally Singer Tuttle, noted by The Strad Magazine for her “transforming sweep of gossamer beauty”, has performed as a soloist with the Pleven Philharmonic, Bulgaria, the Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra, New York, the Danbury Symphony, Connecticut, the Washington-Idaho Symphony Orchestra, Wenatchee Valley Symphony Orchestra, Walla Walla Symphony Orchestra and the St. Petersburg Chamber Philharmonic, Russia, amongst others. Chamber performance highlights include the Tanglewood Music Center, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Alice Tully Hall in New York, first prize in the John Ireland Chamber Music Competition, British National Television appearances and the Australian and American Embassies in Ghana. Sally is a member of the Volta Piano Trio, (formerly the Icicle Creek Piano Trio), who released three highly acclaimed albums. Fanfare Magazine wrote of the recording of Schubert’s Piano Trio no. 2 in Eb major, “The performance by this trio comes as close to being “definitive” as any I expect to hear in my lifetime”. Sally attended the Royal Northern College of Music, UK, as an undergraduate and postgraduate student and went on to earn a Doctorate in Musical Arts from Stony Brook University, New York, where she studied with Timothy Eddy. She currently teaches cello at Whitman College.
Margaret Baldridge
Dr. Margaret Nichols Baldridge, combines an extensive and diverse performance calendar with an active teaching schedule both in the United States and abroad. Performances include concerts, master classes, festivals, and tours with The Sapphire Trio, The Montana Piano Trio, as Leader of the String Orchestra of the Rockies, as concertmaster of the Missoula Symphony and as professor of violin and viola at the University of Montana. Dr. Baldridge is a sought-after teacher and adjudicator. She maintains a large studio at the University and also at the pre-college level. Her former students are successful professional musicians and teachers. Recently her students have been MTNA state winners and National finalists. From 1997-2008 Dr. Baldridge was artist faculty at the Brevard Music Festival.
Jabarie Glass
Jabarie Glass is the Associate Director of Choral Studies at the University of South Carolina, where he conducts University Chorus and Gamecock Chorale and teaches courses in conducting and choral pedagogy. His varied conducting experience includes work with university, secondary, community, festival, and church ensembles. Choral organizations under his leadership have been selected to perform at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Southern Region Conference, the Mississippi-ACDA Conference, and the South Carolina Music Educators Association Conference.
He has led conducting masterclasses and presented interest sessions at state, regional, and national conferences of ACDA; has published in The Choral Journal; and serves as the Student Activities Coordinator for ACDA Southern Region.
Having led an accomplished high school and middle school choral program for nine years, he is in high demand as a clinician and conductor for festival choruses. Notable engagements include conducting the ACDA Southwestern Region 10-12 Mixed Choir and All-State choirs in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.
Glass earned dual bachelor’s degrees in music education and business administration from the University of Mississippi, a master’s in music education from Florida State University, and a doctorate in conducting from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance.
Louise Toppin
Dr. Louise Toppin has received critical acclaim for her operatic, orchestral, oratorio and recital performances world-wide. Represented by Joanne Rile Management, she toured “Gershwin on Broadway” with pianist Leon Bates. She has recorded more than eighteen commercial CDs including on Albany Records Ah love, but a day, and La Saison des fleurs. Since 2021 she has published 13 scores including An Anthology of African and African Diaspora Songs, and Rediscovering Margaret Bonds.
Recent performances include: world premiere of Julia Perry’s Frammenti dalla lettere di Santa Caterina with the Akron Symphony Orchestra, performances with Julia Bullock and the New World Symphony, co-curated and sang festival of Black Music in Hamburg, Germany with Thomas Hampson and Larry Brownlee, performance at the U.S. Capitol for Congress and President Obama, and for the opening of the Smithsonian’s African American Heritage Museum.
She has appeared on NPR’s All Things Considered; co-hosts the Minnesota Orchestra “Listening Project”concerts, and hosts her own show Conversations in African American music. She has been a guest on college campuses including Harvard, Yale, Duke, and many others. Co-founder and Director of the George Shirley Vocal Competition on repertoire by African American composers, and Director of Videmus (non-profit organization that promotes the concert repertoire of African American composers), she also founded the Africandiasporamusicproject.org research tool.
Previously, Dr. Toppin was the Distinguished University Professor of Music and Chair of the Department of Music at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She is currently University Distinguished Professor of Diversity and Social Transformation and Professor of Music (Voice), at The University of Michigan. For more www.louisetoppin.com.
Danny Gurwin
DANNY GURWIN – Danny is a MAC, Elly, and Arty-Award winning director and a BroadwayWorld, Eddon, and Barrymore award-winning actor and singer. Broadway credits include Little Women, Urinetown, The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Full Monty, Kismet, A Little Night Music, and How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Off-Broadway, Danny has starred in Forbidden Broadway, A New Brain, The Thing About Men, R & J, and many, many others. Numerous television and regional shows, concert work, and cast recordings. As a renowned director, teacher, clinician & guest artist, Danny has taught at The University of Michigan, UCLA, Western Michigan University, Youngstown University, Clark College, AMDA – LA, both the prestigious Las Vegas and Orange County Schools of the Arts, ChiArts, the Professional School for the Arts, the Showchoir Camps of America, Making It On Broadway Intensives, 6 Days of Broadway at the Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts, and is former Head of Acting/Musical Theatre at the University of Arizona. Danny is currently Head of Musical Theatre at Oakland University in Michigan. He holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan.
Brent Edstrom
BRENT EDSTROM– Brent Edstrom’s performance credits include several years as a touring musical director, arranger, and pianist for recording artist, Freda Payne, as well as performances with well-known performers and conductors including Clark Terry, Carmen Bradford, John Clayton, Gunther Schuller, Victor Wooten, and many others. He recently recorded an album of original songs with jazz artists Tierney Sutton, Jeff Hamilton, and Jon Hamar.
Edstrom has published more than 100 note-for-note transcriptions of historically significant jazz musicians including Art Tatum, Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, and Kenny Barron. He authored 65 volumes for Hal Leonard Corporation’s Jazz Piano Solos Series and his compositions have been performed throughout the US and Europe. In 2020, the orchestral version of his song cycle, Prairie Songs: Remembering Ántonia, was selected as a national finalist for the American Prize in composition.
Edstrom’s research explores the intersection of music, computer science, and electronics, and he just completed a third book for Oxford University Press titled Sound and Music Projects for Eurorack and Beyond. Edstrom has taught at Whitworth University since 2001 where he holds the Amy M. Ryan Endowed Professorship.
Derek Munson
DEREK MUNSON– Derek Munson is a dynamic and versatile drummer who has made his mark on the Pacific Northwest music scene. With over 30 years of experience, he is equally at home in jazz, funk, R&B, country, rock, and even progressive metal. His diverse career spans professional symphonies, theater pit orchestras, drum and bugle corps, big bands, small group jazz, percussion ensembles, and more.
Known primarily as a jazz player, Derek has performed alongside many of his musical heroes, including Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker, Paquito D’Rivera, Bobby Shew, Jeff Clayton, John Clayton, John Fedchock, Andy Martin, Jeff Hamilton, and Peter Erskine. He has also backed internationally renowned artists such as Petula Clark, Marie Osmond, and Frank Sinatra Jr. His ability to blend technical precision with deep musicality has made him a sought-after player in many settings.
Beyond the stage, Derek has extensive touring and studio experience, including multiple national tours with Nashville-based singer/songwriter Aaron English and Denver rock powerhouse Xiren. His work in the studio spans multiple genres, where his adaptability and groove have contributed to numerous recordings.
Currently, Derek holds the drum chair for the Bob Curnow Big Band and the Spokane Jazz Orchestra while maintaining a busy performance schedule across the Pacific Northwest.
Eugene Jablonsky
EUGENE JABLONSKY– Diversity and innovation have been the guideposts for Eugene Jablonsky’s career as a performer and teacher. After graduating from the Curtis Institute of Music, he performed in the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, freelanced in orchestras in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Ohio, and played in the Grand Teton Festival Orchestra. Eugene moved to Spokane in 1985 when he joined the Spokane Symphony. He performs in the Spokane Jazz Orchestra, and has performed with guest jazz artists including Doc Severinson, Marian McPartland, Byron Stripling, jazz violinists Darol Anger and Johnny Frigo, and Gunther Schuller’s Ragtime Ensemble. Eugene has taught jazz and classical bass, and directed small ensembles at Whitworth University, Gonzaga University and Eastern Washington University. He also earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Washington State University followed by a stint teaching music in the Central Valley School District. Eugene Jablonsky enjoys performing an eclectic mix of music with Tango Volcado, the Brent Edstrom Trio, klezmer music with The Kosher Red Hots and Celtic music with the Howling Gaels.
Meet our 2025 Adjudicators and clinicians
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