Young musicians competed for the opportunity to perform with an orchestra on stage.

On May 11 at 11 a.m. in the Pottle Music Building, the Community Music School held its “Concerto Competition.”

“I am very impressed with all of the musicians who performed today,” said Jivka Duke, director of the CMS. “All of them performed difficult pieces, and they performed them with great musical maturity.”

Duke enjoys seeing the young musicians’ skills grow.

“Competitions are a very important part of every young musician’s growth,” stated Duke. “They create the competitive environment that brings motivation to try our best, to prepare better than ever and to push oneself to perform the best they possibly can. Concerto competitions are particularly important because they give the winners a chance to perform as soloists with an orchestra on the big stage, much like a world class musician does on regular basis.”

Looking back on the past year, Duke described it as a successful time for the CMS.

“We have put on a number of great performances such as the ‘Outstanding Musicians Showcase’ in early fall 2018,” shared Duke. “Additionally, last year’s ‘Concerto Competition’ winners’ performance as soloists with the Southeastern Symphony Orchestra in late November 2018, is scheduled to start airing on the Southeastern Channel very soon, so the entire community will have a chance to see it.”