Music was in the air on Thursday, May 1, 2014 as the annual Jack Gard Music Competition for student scholarships kicked-off.
The competition was established in esteemed memory of Mr. Jack Gard in 2009, whose proficiency on piano at an early age led him to become a pupil with such distinguished schools as Julliard, UCLA, and USC. In his later life, Mr. Gard devoted his time as a music teacher with the LAUSD and as a board member of LAMusArt.
Performing in front of a panel of distinguished judges, students demonstrated their proficiency and skill in either vocal or instrumental renditions of classical and contemporary songs. Competitions such as Jack Gard allow our students to receive recognition for their progress and effort under the mentorship of LAMusArt teaching artists, as well as represent our initiatives to support the creative and artistic development of East Los Angeles youths.
This year’s competition featured an array of talented young artists who made our judges’ decision all the more difficult. First place winner in the senior category receives a full-year music scholarships to continue their music education while second and third place winners will receive trophy and medal recognition.
Judges: Richard Medrano Artistic Director of the City of Angels Master Chorale and Children’s Chorus
Magic Moreno Internationally acclaimed Producer, Mixer, Composer, Singer, Performer
Gregory Cherninsky
Music Director of the Beverly Hills Music Festival, Composer/Conductor
Students: Junior Division: 1st Place – Andres Calvillo, piano 2nd Place – Cadiz Salazar, voice 3rd Place – Azucena Ortega, voice Honorable Mention – Alejandra Ortega, piano Honorable Mention – Amy Lau, violin Intermediate Division: 1st Place – Nadia Aponte, piano 2nd Place – Ivan Avila, guitar 3rd Place – Fausto Rojas, guitar Senior Division: 1st Place – Diego Aponte, piano 2nd Place – Samantha Fang, piano 3rd Place – Jenna Green, violin 3rd Place – Maria Guerrero, voice
Although not everyone can place – for such is the nature of competition- LAMusArt would like to emphasize how immensely proud we are of all our students and their accomplishments.