Angstreich advances to Spotlight Semifinalist Round for musical talent

Mira Costa senior Emily Angstreich has dedicated hundreds of hours to improve her music skills as a flute player, and the Los Angeles Music Center’s Spotlight Program recently rec- ognized her for her talent.

The Spotlight Program is a nationally-renowned scholarship and training program which of- fers master classes, cash prizes,

and other resources to talented musicians. Each year, the music center hosts auditions for artists of all skill levels within seven categories including acting, bal- let and classical instrumental. To apply to the program, Angstreich submitted a video recording of her playing a short piece. She ap- plied to the category of classical instrumental.

“I originally didn’t want to ap- ply, but my teacher insisted that I send in my recordings,” Angstre- ich said.

Angstreich has played the flute for eight years and been a member of the Mira Costa Ensemble Band and Marching Band since her freshman year. As a junior, she re- ceived first place in Costa’s Rota- ry Solo Competition. This school year, she served as both Band President and Marching Band Flute Section Leader. Angstreich performed a flute solo during the Marching Band’s show this year, titled “Outside the Bachs.”

“Costa has really helped me grow as a musician,” Angstreich

said. “I’ve had incredible oppor- tunities, such as playing a solo at Carnegie Hall, participating in the Rotary competition, and being a two-time soloist in the marching band. Having these opportunities encourages me to work harder so that I can perform well.”

Angstreich plans to major in Psychology and Political Science in college, yet still wishes to con- tinue to play her music throughout college. She specifically wants to study Musical Therapy and par- ticipate in a non-major orchestra

as an undergraduate.
“Even though I’m not directly

majoring in music, I want to keep it in my life forever, whether that’s integrating it into my stud- ies or just practicing on the side,” Angstreich said.

As a semifinalist, Angstreich has the opportunity to participate in an upcoming master class. The class will feature skilled musi- cians and instructors who will lis- ten and give feedback to the semi- finalists. Angstreich also has her in-person semifinalist audition on March 17.

“This has been a great experi- ence and I have definitely im- proved as a musician overall,” Angstreich said. “It feels very rewarding to be validated for all of the hard work and the hours I have put in to practicing over the years.”

The Spotlight program noti- fied Angstreich of her advance- ment to the second round of au- ditions where she then scheduled an in-person audition. Angstre- ich is among 15 semifinalists in her category. She will be notified if she is one of two finalists in her category on the same day as her semifinalist audition. Each finalist will receive a $5,000 cash prize and a chance to per- form on Jun. 5 at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
“I would love to win Spotlight,” Angstreich said. “It would be an incredible opportunity to be able to perform at Walt Disney Con- cert Hall.”