By Alec Marchant
Staff Writer
This winter season, a select group of 30 students ranging from freshmen to seniors will be competing in a Rotary-Club-sponsored competition for the performing arts. Testing musically apt students on their technicality, musicality and performance abilities, the Rotary will reward the first through third-place winners with ample cash prizes.
Grouped into two separate categories, upper and underclassmen participants will be performing three to five-minute solo pieces on their band instrument for a group of judges, all part of the Rotary Club of Manhattan Beach. The Rotary Club also features a competition open to choir students, allowing another opportunity for students accomplished in the field of voice to participate.
“The Rotary competitions inspire individual musicianship and bring out confidence in each participant,” senior and solo competition competitor Jeff Mohan said.
Beginning with a preliminary (round that took place) on Jan. 12 which will lead into a final round on Feb. 3, soloists have been preparing for weeks, giving themselves every edge possible. With almost three dozen entries, the judges will narrow down the competition, giving the remaining performers enough time to master a second piece for the final round.
“The kids are really excited about it,” band teacher Joel Carlson said. “They have been practicing really hard.”
Six cash prizes will be rewarded at the end of the competition. The freshmen and sophomore underclassmen prizes range from $75 to $200; for the underclassmen, prizes range from $125 to $300.
“The Rotary solo competition is a great opportunity for kids in the band program,” said past and present competitor Isaac Siegemund-Broka. “I am grateful for experiencing the pressure of skilled competition and receiving personalized feedback on my playing abilities.”
Siegemund-Broka, a junior clarinet player in the Mira Costa Band, has been preparing his piece for weeks. Performing Carl Maria von Weber’s “Clarinet Concerto No. 2,”. Siegemund-Broka will perform for his fourth time in a Rotary solo competition. Siegemund-Broka hopes to give a pitch-perfect performance, admitting him into the final round for the third time.
“I love coming to see my friends perform because they deserve recognition not only for their skills and artistry, but for the hard work they’ve put into their pieces,” junior band member and trumpet player Kris Phillips said.
This clash of musical prodigies not only allows for a rich experience in the world of competitive performance but is also a great example of how sticking to a hobby can pay off. Band members are encouraged to watch the show, not only for entertainment, but to learn how to act during a professional performance.
The Rotary Club band competition has occurred since 2009 at Mira Costa and Manhattan Beach Middle School. The final round of solo performances will be on Feb. 3 at 5 p.m. in the Mira Costa auditorium.
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