In Progress: Larson Young Artist Award

Right now, eight very talented string players from high schools throughout Nebraska are at the Westbrook Music Building on the UNL campus, ready to preform for the judges. They are all competing for the Larson Young Artist Award, which gives the winner the amazing opportunity to play with one of the professional string quartets that will be performing at one of Meadowlark's event's this summer. The winner also receives $1,000 and the runner up gets a performing opportunity and a $500 cash prize.

Students and their parents anxiously await their opportunity to perform for the judges. Some practice up on the third floor, while those who are up next wait outside the door for their chance to enter and demonstrate their remarkable talent. The first competitor played at 9:20 this morning and the competition keeps moving along. We will enjoy some coffee and rolls while the rest of the students get their chance to play and the judges make their decision.

This years competitors include:

Jehong Ahn, viola, Westside High School; Yasmeen Bora, violin, Millard North High School; Helen Dowd, violin, home schooled; Lucy Elge, violin, Aurora Public; Justin Lepard, cello, Lincoln High School; Nadia Maudhoo, violin, Millard West High School; Stephanie McAtee, violin; and Jessica Qiu, violin, Lincoln East High School.