MCE's Annual Youth Music Competition
Each Spring, Masterworks’ Youth Music Competition is an opportunity for area youth to compete in one of three levels: elementary, middle, or high school. Since 2001, this event has provided wonderful learning and performance experience for students in our community.
The competition is open to all grade 3-12 vocal and instrumental students. The three winners, one from each level, receive a scholarship award and an invitation to perform a solo in a Masterworks Choral Ensemble concert at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts the season following the competition.
2024 Winners
Winner, High School Division
Ayman Ehrlander, Pianist
9th grade, Olympia High School
Ayman Ehrlander began learning the piano when he was 3, and started studying with his teacher Vera Dvorak when he was 5. He has entered multiple music competitions both in Washington state and in Quebec, Canada, and has won multiple prizes. He plays piano in the Olympia High School Jazz band. He also plays clarinet in the concert band, and has participated on the cross country running and soccer teams at the high school.
Winner, Middle School Divison
Lara Choi, Violinist
6th grade, Jefferson Middle School
Lara Choi, a 13-year old student currently in 6th grade at Jefferson Middle School in Olympia, has been studying the violin with Ms. Ludmila Henderson since kindergarten. Talented in both music and art, Lara expresses herself through playing the piano and drawing. Beyond her artistic pursuits, she enjoys spending free time playing chess and cube with her siblings. Her deep affection for animals, particularly cats, motivates her desire to help them in the future.
Winner, Elementary School Division
Daniel Cho, Pianist
5th Grade, Lakes Elementary School
Daniel Cho, 10, was born in Olympia, WA. He began studying piano at age 5, under the piano instruction of his mother, Hannah Cho, a piano faculty at St. Martin’s University in Lacey, WA. Less than a year after Daniel started studying piano, he won first place at the Viva International Piano Competition in Bulgaria. In addition, he has won many other competitions, including the IAPMT Piano Competition, the OMTA Concerto Competition and the WSMTA Recital Competition. He has also participated in many master classes and auditions regularly. He loves to play soccer, violin, and also likes to sing.
Past Youth Music Competition Winners
Click to view a list of past Youth Music Competition winners: YMC Winners 2001 – 2024
