Coronado Rotarians were treated to dynamic instrumental performances presented by high school students from the Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA) during the first Coronado Rotary Music Scholarship Competition, held on Wednesday, January 25 at the Coronado Cays Yacht Club.
The Coronado Rotary music competition aims to recognize the high school senior who best demonstrates musical talent and love for instrumental music. Any high school student who attends school or resides in Coronado is eligible to participate; nominations are submitted by their music teachers. The students who participate are judged on musical ability, technique and accuracy, interpretation of the selection played, and stage presence.
Kristofer Leslie, a senior at Coronado High/Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA), won First Place. The talented high school student performed “Sonata (Vox Gabrieli)” by Stjepan Sulek on the trombone. Kristofer will compete at the Rotary District 5340 Southern Regional Competition. The winner of the regional competition is eligible to compete in Rotary District 5340 Finals held in March. The District finals winner will receive $2,500 scholarship.
Also from CHS/CoSA, Evan Agarwal, bass guitar, placed second with his bass performance of “Suite: Autumn Leaves/Doxy” by Kosma and Rollins; accompanist (recorded): Danny Green, piano; arranged by E. Agarwal & D. Green.
Finalists were Ruby Marrujo, piano, “Fantasie-Impromptu Op. 66” by Frederic Chopin; Grace Weisbrod, piano,“Humoresque” by Antonin Dvorak, and Alessandra Elicone, piano, “Gymnopédie No.1” by Erik Satie.
The Coronado Rotary Club provided awards of $200 (First Place); $125 (Second Place); and $75 (each Finalist).
The Coronado Rotary was honored to have the music competition judged by four highly respected musical artists including:
- Martin Green, Organist/Choirmaster, St. Paul’s Cathedral; San Diego and Associate Music Director, San Diego Master Chorale, and teacher of organ and piano.
- Michael Morgan, a well-known performer, arranger, conductor, and educator, who is currently the choir director of Christ Episcopal Church in Coronado, and was music teacher at Francis Parker School and Warren-Walker Middle School.
- Janie Prim, a principal dance pianist for San Diego Opera, and principal pianist for the San Diego Opera Chorus Auditions. She has served as Musical Director for the San Diego Opera Ensemble and is the organist at St. Bartholomew’s Church in Poway.
- Marilyn Rees, a sought-after piano accompanist, serves on the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission and is a member of the board Promenade Concerts in the Park, where she is co-chair of Talent Selection.
