Hillsdale College Music Department Hosts Annual Student Concerto/Aria Competition
Winners will perform with the Hillsdale College Symphony Orchestra.
HILLSDALE, Mich. — The Hillsdale College Music Department hosted its annual Student Concerto/Aria Competition on Jan. 26 in Markel Auditorium. Participants performed solo pieces for a panel of judges in Markel Auditorium, and three students were selected to perform with the Hillsdale College Symphony Orchestra this spring.
“The Student Concerto/Aria Competition tests students’ ability to memorize material, perform it well, and engage their audience.”
“The Student Concerto/Aria Competition tests students’ ability to memorize material, perform it well, and engage their audience,” said James Holleman, music director of orchestras and choirs. “It is a great opportunity for them to perform while honing their skills as soloists.”
Eighteen instrumentalists and seven vocalists participated in the competition and performed solo pieces for a panel of guest judges from other colleges and universities. Students, faculty, staff, and members of the community attended.
Pianist Hannah Wong (’26) was chosen to perform with the orchestra on Feb. 22. Alto Sophia LaBonte (’26) and clarinetist Samuel Jarzab (’26) were chosen to perform with the orchestra on May 9. Wong is a piano student of Daniel Kuehler, artist/teacher of collaborative piano. LaBonte is a voice student of Voice Coordinator Emily Douglass. Jarzab is a clarinet student of Andrew Sprung, adjunct instructor of clarinet.
Pianist Paul Sri (’25), violinist Michael Berry (’26), and soprano Elizabeth Patrick (’25) received honorable mentions.
For photos from a previous Hillsdale College Symphony Orchestra concert, click here. For a high-resolution copy of the Hillsdale College clocktower logo, click here.