On Monday, March 24, The Denver Concert Bandconducted their Young Artist Competitionat Central Presbyterian Church, 1660 Sherman St. The winner of this competition won a $2,000 check and the opportunity to play with the band during a concert. There were four very talented young artists, all seniors in high school. The Denver Concert Band gives this award out every year to a winning student. Their hope is that the student will take the money and buy an instrument that will carry them onto the next part or level of their musical career. Many students have instruments that are either rented, purchased used, or one that is a lesser quality than they need to elevate themselves in their musical development. Some students are fortunate enough to have a quality instrument but could use help in other areas of development that this could be used for.

Joy Um, of Centennial, a flute player for the last 4 ½ years was encouraged to compete from her private instructor. Joy attends Cherry Creek High School, where she plays with the school band and orchestra. She plays and is a member of D.Y.A.D. Conservatory. Joy's parents emigrated here from Korea and then returned there taking Joy with them and after living in Korea for 7 ½ years returned to the United States. Joy is working on getting scholarships for local colleges.

Adam Davis, of Littleton , attends Columbine High Schooland plays the marimba. He has been playing the marimba for the last 7 ½ years. He is the Drum Major for the school band, the Section Leader for the Wind Ensemble as well. He has been in the Colorado Honor Band for the last 7 ½ years and is also looking at Colorado schools for scholarships and continuing education.

Rachel Wildrick of Englewood, attends Denver Christian High School. She plays in the Jazz Band at her school as well as being a member of the CU Honor Band. She has been playing the flute for many years. She took time to come to the contest out of a busy nights schedule, she was immediately going to a bon-voyage dinner for her and members of the Spanish 4 class headed to Nicaragua the next morning to complete a service project there.

Maria Mandico a piccolo player from Colorado Springs attends Rampart High Schooland was the winner of the Denver Concert Band Young Artist Contest. At her school she is in the Wind Ensemble and Marching Band. Some of her many other musical achievements are she is a member of CU & DU Honor Bands, Colorado All-State Orchestra & Band these are just a few of her long list. Her choice of music, style and execution was impeccable. The zeal and intensity of her play was awe-inspiring. If you would like to see her perform with the Denver Concert Band they will be playing at the Central Presbyterian Church 1660 Sherman St. on April 26 at 6:30pm.She started playing piano at the age of 5, then flute 7 years ago and piccolo 5 years ago.

All the contestants were very accomplished and talented and I am glad that I didn't have the job the judges did that evening.