Southern Nevada Regional Dan Stover Competition Results are In!

Aug 21

The Southern Nevada Regional Dan Stover Competitions are COMPLETED

The Process:

After a five months circuitous journey brought on by COVID-19, the Dan Stover competition for Southern Nevada has been completed. Rotary Clubs represented in the competition were: Boulder City, Boulder City Sunrise, Green Valley, Las Vegas, Las Vegas Southwest, Las Vegas West, Moapa Valley, and Summerlin.

When Rotary District 5300 canceled the District Conference in May, Southern Nevada was the only Region who had not completed their regional competition. Once this decision was made, we needed to reschedule our competition to honor the work of our students as well as equitably distribute our prizes and the additional money from the District now augmenting ours. However, with the COVID-19 cases continuing to increase dramatically in Clark County, the only alternative was to have a virtual competition.

After negotiating with eight competitors, eight club Dan Stover Chairs, four accompanists and three judges, Thursday, August 20th was set as the day for the competition. Each contestant submitted an audition video via YouTube which was forwarded to the judges. The Judges had a week to evaluate and prioritize each entrant. They met via ZOOM on August 20th and made their decisions. The task was difficult, all contestants were excellent.

The Judges:

Maestro Harold “Hal” L. Weller, Founding Musical

Director & Conductor Laureate of the Las Vegas Philharmonic.

Martha Gronemeier, Associate Concertmaster

of the Las Vegas Philharmonic.

Dr. Spencer Baker, DMA (Piano),

Assistant Professor of Music, UNLV School of Music.

The Contestants

The grade in school is the grade the contestant completed in May 2020.

Each contestant was asked to share their thought on the following questions.

1. What are your plans, musically, for the next 5 years?

2. What have you learned about yourself as you work to perfect your musical talent?

3. What has been the most challenging part of your musical journey?

First Place

Grace Wride -- Southwest Rotary Club -- Violin

Green Valley High School, 12th Grade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grKcAFwPP20

Allegro, Violin Concerto, Samuel Barber, Op.14

These next four years I will be attending the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music to pursue a bachelor’s degree in violin performance. I will be studying with the head of the violin department, Professor Won Bin Yim.

Through the years of working towards perfection in playing the violin I have learned many useful lessons about myself. One of the most useful lessons learned is to stay humble in any circumstance; Win or lose, both scenarios can bring so much good to one’s life.

One of the most challenging things during my musical journey was finding a balance between constant time-consuming practicing and performing violin, keeping top grades in school, and spending time with my family. They are all important things that have kept me moving forward on my journey as a musician.

Second Place

Tanner “Tee” Western – Moapa Valley Rotary Club -- Piano

Moapa Valley High School, 10th grade.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlO7e7mSM1o

Nocturne in E flat Major, F. Chopin

I plan to perform in as many Honor Bands, Scholarships, and Performances as possible as well as increase my talents on piano and trombone. Though I do not plan to go to college with my musical abilities, I am open to the possibility.

Perfecting my piano skills has taught me that it is indeed possible for me to do anything I put my mind to. It has also taught me a very peaceful type of therapy.

My lack of confidence during my musical journey has likely been the most challenging thing for me. Whether it is when I lack confidence in myself to perfect a portion of a piece or when I doubt my performing skills, it harms my musicality.

Third Place

Alyssa Saito – Green Valley Rotary Club -- Violin

Coronado High School, 10th Grade

https://youtu.be/KV-kQ3szdCo

I. Allegro non troppo, Symphonie espagnole in D minor by Édouard Lalo

For the next 4 years, particularly in music, I plan to compete in several competitions, actively participate throughout high school, then play violin as a hobby throughout college and minor in music. I have always had the goal of becoming a veterinarian since kindergarten, but I would hate to lose music in my life. Majoring in veterinary medicine but also minoring in music will keep music in my life.

As I am developing my musical talent over the years, I learned that when I like something, I will be more dedicated towards it. I have learned to enjoy practicing and improving my abilities as much as possible because really, nothing is ever perfect, and it can always be improved even if it is the slightest amount.

The most challenging thing for me during my musical journey, and still is, has been overcoming nerves before and during a performance. For me, and I am sure for many other people, nerves impact my performance very much and I tend to not be able to play to the best of my abilities. Though nerves will never certainly go away, I hope to reach a point where nerves are not as impactful.

Honorable Mention

(in alphabetical order)

Aolani Aguirre – Las Vegas Rotary Club -- Violin

Del Sol Academy for the Performing Arts, 12th Grade

https://youtu.be/8UKNFGMRPaU

I. Allegro molto appassionato, Concerto in E minor, Felix Mendelssohn

Donghuk Lucas Kim – Summerlin Rotary Club --Piano

Palo Verde High School, 9th Grade

https://youtu.be/2xUFmNzRx-Q

Jeux d’eau, Maurice Ravel

Shantel Tacang -- Las Vegas West Rotary Club -- Violin

Mojave High School, 10th Grade