At HNMC, we are continually inspired by the dedication, creativity, and hard work of our students. Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2026 Talent Grant Awards. It was a joy to hear each performance, and we are incredibly proud of the talent, heart, and commitment that every student brought to the stage.
This year’s Talent Grant Awards were adjudicated by Hannah Rietz, an accomplished performing artist and member of the Spokane Symphony’s first violin section. Hannah enjoys a varied career as a violinist, violist, conductor, and educator. Dedicated to working with the next generation of musicians, she is a sought-after clinician and coach who has worked with youth orchestras and honors ensembles across the country, including guest conducting the 2024 Rhode Island Senior All-State Orchestra.
Before joining the Spokane Symphony, Hannah served as Music Director of Illini Strings at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Assistant Director of the University of Illinois Philharmonia Orchestra, and a lead teacher with the Illinois Community Music Academy. Her previous positions also include Resident Artist of Violin/Viola and Lecturer at the University of New Hampshire, Assistant Director of the UNH Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Adjunct Professor at Doane College in Nebraska.
As a performer, Hannah has appeared with the Pierre Monteux School Festival, AIMS in Graz Festival Orchestra, National Repertory Orchestra, Lincoln Symphony, Charleston Symphony, Symphony New Hampshire, Sinfonia da Camera, and the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra. She has also been featured in performances alongside renowned artists including Awadagin Pratt, Chen Yi, and Yo-Yo Ma.
Her extensive experience and discerning musical ear brought tremendous insight to this year’s adjudications. After carefully reviewing a highly competitive field of performances, Hannah selected the recipients of the 2026 Talent Grant Awards and Scholarships.
2026 Talent Grant Award Recipients
$500 Talent Grant Winners
- Christopher Anderson
- Henry Ramey
- Levi Nichols
$150 Honorable Mentions
- Vella Poulson-Lockett
- Everett Wirth
- Josephine Burtard
- Henry Ross
Student Spotlight: Levi Nichols
We are proud of all of our students and the remarkable progress they have made as musicians this year. One of our Talent Grant winners, Levi Nichols, shared a little about his journey both in and outside of HNMC.Levi is a well-rounded student who enjoys music, sports, academics, and spending time with family and friends. This year, he has excelled in his piano studies under the guidance of his teacher, Carol Rhodes. Outside of music, Levi enjoys running and working out with his brothers, playing basketball at Salk Middle School, camping, hiking, boating with his family, and spending time with friends.Known for his positive attitude, kindness, and sense of humor, Levi is a joy to be around. He is grateful for the opportunities he has had this year and looks forward to continuing to learn, grow, and make the most of every experience.
Celebrating Musical Diversity
One of the highlights of this year’s competition was the wide variety of instruments and musical styles represented. While we enjoyed outstanding performances on traditional classical instruments such as violin and piano, we were equally excited to hear performances on other instruments, including guitar.
Henry Ross, one of our Honorable Mention recipients, participated in the Talent Grant Competition for the first time this year as a guitarist. Henry is finishing third grade at Palisades Christian Academy and has been studying guitar for three years. He is a bright, hardworking student who loves both music and sports, and we were delighted to hear his performance.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to all of our musicians for their hard work, dedication, and outstanding performances. We are honored to support such talented young artists and look forward to seeing each of you continue to grow in your musical journeys.Thank you again to every student who participated and to the families, teachers, and supporters who make these musical achievements possible.
