A Coronado Rotary luncheon meeting featuring an amazing musical concert delighted a packed house of Rotarians, as well as family and friends of talented high school musicians, at the Coronado Cays Yacht Club.
High school students in grades 9 through 12 were invited to participate in the 2018 Second Annual Coronado Rotary Music Scholarship Competition. Ten students entered the prelims, with instruments ranging from bassoon to piano and trombone. Based on their performances, four student musicians were chosen to perform at the competition.
The Coronado Rotary Music Scholarship Competition aims to recognize the high school student who best demonstrates musical talent and love for instrumental music. The students who participate are judged on musical ability, technique and accuracy, interpretation of the selection played, and stage presence.
The First Place award was presented to Ryan Wood, a junior at Coronado High School. Ryan played the guitar, performing an inspiring rendition of “Sunny” by Bobby Hebb and “Classical Gas” by Mason Williams.
Ryan moves on to the South Regionals on February 13, where the top two finishers advance to District Finals on Feb. 18. All District Finalists are guaranteed a $500 award, with the winner receiving $2500.
Melanie Johnson, Coronado High School senior, placed second with her alto sax performance of “Run for Cover” by David Sanborn.
Finalists were Elsbeth Durazo, Valhalla High School junior, performing on the violin, “Concerto in G Minor,” by Antonio Vivaldi; and Kendall Harrison, a sophomore at Coronado High School, performing on the bassoon, “Bourree I,” by Johann Sebastian Bach.
The Coronado Rotary Club provided awards of $200 (First Place); $125 (Second Place); and $75 (each Finalist).
Coronado Rotary was honored to have the music competition judged by three 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.
Mariah Gillespie is a Coronado piano teacher, pianist, and harpist. She currently serves as the Coronado Arts Education and Music Arts Commissioner, and has provided piano music for both the Coronado Island Film Festival and the Coronado Christmas Parade.
