It is with great pleasure and no small amount of fanfare that we announce the results of this year’s Talent Grant competition. Drum roll, please…!
This year Holy Names Music Center’s Talent Grant Adjudication took place on Thursday, June 13th, 2024. Eleven out of over 300 students were recommended for this select privilege by their instructors, and 10 of them had the opportunity to compete for a $500 grant towards their continued education next fall. We would like to extend our gratitude to our distinguished adjudicator: Kevin Hekmatpanah. Kevin is a man of many hats: Music Director of the Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra, guiding light of Project Joy, Professor of Music, and Director of the String Program at Gonzaga University. We were honored to have him share his insights and expertise with our students.
Kevin Hekmatpanah, Adjudicator
Kevin had this to say about his day with us: “I was tremendously impressed with the talent and skills of each and every performer. Not only were they extremely prepared and played beautifully, but I also had a chance to work with them and chat with them. The students are eager to learn, and it is obvious that music is a central part of their lives.” Quite the endorsement, wouldn’t you agree?
Our incredible teachers have dedicated their time and energy to nurturing these young musicians. Their commitment and passion are the heartbeat of Holy Names Music Center, making it the vibrant and inspiring place it is. The teacher’s efforts not only prepared the students for this competition but also instilled in them a lifelong love for music.
Now, without further ado, here are the outstanding students who performed their hearts out for a chance to win a $500 grant towards next year’s tuition:
Winners of the $500 grant:
Claire Baker, cello student of Sr. Karen Conlin
Bryce Williams, piano student of Linda Siverts
Frances Stewart, voice student of Mary Ella Van Voorhis
Honorable Mention Winners receiving a $100 grant:
Grace Moon, violin student of Mariana Dimitrova
Erica Hamilton, piano student of Sr. Kay Heberling
Congratulations to all the participants! Your hard work, dedication, and passion for music brighten the world around you.
To our incredible faculty, thank you for nominating these talented students and for your continuous hard work. Your expertise and encouragement make all the difference, and it’s clear that HNMC is a beacon of musical excellence because of you.
Here’s to more beautiful music and inspiring moments ahead!
2024-2025 Talent Grant Winners:
Claire Baker, cello. Winner of a $500 grant.
Claire is sixteen years old and has played cello for almost three years. One of her favorite parts of playing cello is playing music with other musicians, whether it is with siblings, church or the Spokane Youth Symphony. She is so thankful that God gave people the beautiful gift of music! She is also very thankful for her teacher Sister Karen for her skill, joy, and energy in teaching! “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever.” Romans 11:36
Bryce Williams, piano. Winner of a $500 grant. Bryce started taking piano lessons when he was 9 years old and has made piano part of his everyday life. He also enjoys playing basketball, baseball, and building wrist watches.
Frances Stewart, voice. Winner of a $500 grant. Frances has been taking private voice lessons with Mary Ella Van Voorhis since 2021 and participating in Voices Together Children’s choir and summer camps. Music must run in her family as she is related to an HNMC violin teacher
Grace Moon, violin. Honorable Mention winner of a $100 grant. Grace is 9 years old and started to learn the violin 3 years ago. She loves to read Korean books and roller skate. She speaks 2 languages English and Korean.
Erica Hamilton, piano. Honorable Mention winner of a $100 grant. Erika has been taking piano lessons with Sr. Kay Heberling since 2018. She also started violin lessons this year.
