Student News

September 2008

Students from Professor Nancy Ambrose King’s oboe studio have been faring well in competitions around the globe. Caroline Ross, working on her bachelor’s in oboe, was awarded third prize in the International Double Reed Society’s Young Artist Competition, appearing as a finalist in the competition, which took place at the 37th annual conference of the International Double Reed Society, in Provo, UT. Emily Cappo, also an undergraduate, was selected to enter the competition and finished third in the highly competitive preliminary round. Kaycee Ware, graduate student in oboe, was a finalist in the Prague International Oboe competition, one of only two American oboists chosen to participate in the finals.

Amita Prakash, master’s student in voice, won first place in the National Society of Arts and Letters voice competition, which entitled her to compete in the national competition in Indiana in May. She was awarded a scholarship in recognition of her obvious talent.

Yurel Echezarreta, a junior in the musical theatre program, has been cast in the Broadway revival of West Side Story. The production goes to Washington, D.C. for previews starting in December, with a scheduled opening in New York in March. Yurel will be in school until the end of October, when rehearsals start.

Acting student in theatre & drama Mckean Sheu was an extra in the Drew Barrymore film, Whip It, staring Ellen Page (Juno) and filmed in various locations in Michigan, including Ypsilanti. He also auditioned for and landed two more roles, in the films, Blue Sky, an independent feature film to star D.B. Sweeney, Joanna Cassidy, and Kurt Dreyer, and Tristan, both slated to begin shooting later this fall. Earlier this summer, Scheu played the role of Wyatt in the feature film Art House, staring indie queen Greta Gerwig and directed by Victor Fanucchi.

Sarah Frisof, flute, has won second place in the National Flute Association's Young Artist Competition. The award includes a cash prize.  Sarah is pursuing a DMA in flute performance and studies with Amy Porter.

David Requiro, cello, has won first prize in the 2008 Walter W. Naumburg International Violoncello Competition.  The award includes a cash prize, a New York recital debut and recital and orchestral performances.  David is pursuing a MM in cello performance and studies with Richard Aaron.

The 2008 Gilmore Keyboard Festival invited several of Michigan’s finest student pianists to take part in its prestigious masterclass series during the months of April and May. Ilya Blinov (DMA), a student of Arthur Greene, Zhu Zhu (BM) and Nozomi Marusawa (BM), students of Logan Skelton, Hye-Won Jung (MM) and SunAh Lee (DMA), students of Christopher Harding, were all selected to perform for international performing and teaching artists including Christopher Taylor, Lori Sims, and Paul Lewis.

DMA candidate Ya-Chi Cheng won the principal percussion position with the San Antonio Symphony.  (March 2008)

Pius Cheung, marimba, is one of only two winners of the 2008 Young Concert Artists Competition in New York.   Pius is pursuing a DMA in percussion and studies with Michael Udow.