Students compete in annual Rotary Solo Competition Finals

By Kylie Woodward

Staff Writer

and Kylee Brown

Staff Writer

Mira Costa’s 15th annual Rotary Solo Competition finals took place on Feb. 2 in the auditorium at 4:30 p.m. 24 students competed in divisions by grade for string and

wind instruments.

Each division was divided by grade level and all the winners from each grade and section of music will attend the Rotary Awards Breakfast on Apr. 22 at the West Drift Manhattan Beach Hotel to perform their solos.

“The anticipation and the build up before the competition into the finals is the most challenging thing,” said freshmen violinist Charlotte Fan. “Everything after that if you know your piece is pretty fun and easy.”

According to junior Noah Weiss, to prepare for the competition participants put aside much of their time to practice.

“The best part of competing in the finals was not just the chance to perform and receive adjudicative feedback but also the personal milestone of performing Bach’s Chaconne—a

piece that once seemed impossibly complex and difficult,” said Weiss. “Having now performed it, it has shown me how much there is to gain from continuing my studies in violin, and given me the motivation to continue striving to improve my playing.”

According to senior Ty Lockwood, serving as principal cellist gave him the opportunity to collaborate both within the cello section and between other sections to expand his perspective as a musician. Lockwood said his role as orchestra president has allowed him to foster and grow the community that he has been a part of the majority of his life.

“The best part of competing in the finals this year was being able to share my music with the audience,” said sophomore Junie Lee. “I love creating stories in my head that relate to the song I’m playing. I also love playing with the piano accompaniment because it helps me feel the music more than when I’m practicing by myself.”