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U of A Music Students Sweep State Competition

by | Nov 14, 2023 | Features, Student Awards & Achievements, Student Success

From left: Tyler Trickey, Wesley Becherer, Hannah Myers, Ryan Montemayor, Lauren Zygmont, Macy James, Erin Newberry. Not pictured: Catherine Ryan, Calista Maurer.

On Saturday, Nov. 4, nine music students from the University of Arkansas competed at the statewide Music Teachers National Association Young Artist Competition hosted at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. The Young Artist competition is open to students ages 19-26 who are currently enrolled in collegiate programs.

Out of five categories, three were won by current U of A music students:

  • Woodwinds, Ryan Montemayor (M.M., saxophone)
  • Brass, Lauren Zygmont (M.M., horn)
  • Piano, Calista Maurer, B.M., piano)

Three more students were given Honorable Mention:

  • Macy James (B.M., horn)
  • Tyler Trickey (B.M., saxophone)
  • Wesley Becherer (M.M., oboe)

The winners will have the opportunity to compete at the national level against winners from other states. The results will be released in 2024. 

All competitors: 

  • Tyler Trickey, Catherine Ryan, Erin Newberry, Ryan Montemayor, Lauren Zygmont, Macy James, Wesley Becherer, Hannah Myers, Calista Maurer.

Contributing faculty:

  • Theresa Delaplain, assistant professor of oboe; Xiting Yang, assistant professor of piano; Sarah Hetrick, assistant professor of saxophone; Katey J. Halbert, visiting assistant professor of horn.

This story also appeared in the University of Arkansas News publication.