1st Place: Cara Lewis, Piano

Cara Lewis is a homeschooled piano player in the 11th grade. She has been playing the piano since she was around 3 years old and has taken piano lessons for 11 years. 

“I honestly don’t remember [how I decided what instrument to play], but my parents tell me that I’ve always had an affinity for the piano,” Cara said.

Cara thanks her piano teacher Dr. Jacob Clark, her homeschool band director Mrs. April Anderson, and her parents for helping and supporting her on her musical journey. She currently has plans to continue her music education by majoring in music at Lamar University.

“Music has always been an increasingly important influence in my life and I’d hate to imagine how my life would be without it.” Cara said, “It has shaped my personality and experiences in so many wonderful ways.”

Cara is excited to perform at the Symphony of Southeast Texas’ upcoming education concerts for local students.

“It’s so surreal that I’m going to get to perform a concerto with a live orchestra of elite musicians, several of whom I already know and admire,” Cara said.

2nd Place: Kanae Tsuno, Piano

Kanae Tsuno is a piano player and a 6th grade student at Central Middle School in Nederland. She has been playing the piano since she was around 5 years old and has taken piano lessons for 6 years. 

“I was always into music, singing, and dancing,” Kanae said. “When I was first introduced to an old piano my mother used, I was fascinated by it. I started taking lessons and evolved into the player I am now.”

Kanae looks forward to her musical future and wishes to continue competing in future competitions.

“When I was nine, I competed in a little competition called the Music Festival. There were many talented people competing [and] although I did not win overall, I [have] a memory that [will last] forever, along with $100,” Kanae said. “I want to continue to compete in competitions, even this concerto one again, hoping to get 1st place.”

Kanae feels good about her performance during auditions and is thankful to her piano teachers who strive to make her better.

“I feel really happy about [my accomplishment],” Kanae said, “All those hard times and frustrated feelings really paid off to put me in such a good place.

3rd Place: Andrea Horner, Violin

Andrea Horner is a homeschooled violin player in the 11th grade. She has been playing the violin since 2016 and has been in violin lessons since she was 6 years old. 

“My mom and dad pushed me to play the best I could, even though I didn’t like playing until I was about 12,” Andrea said.

Andrea currently has plans to continue her music education in college and wishes to get a music teaching degree. 

“I just want to be the best I can possibly be,” Andrea said, “and continue to make music for those that I love.”

Andrea feels grateful to have placed in the concerto competition and looks forward to future musical endeavors.

“Violin is a big part of my life and I truly love it. I am grateful for any chance that I have to share that love with others,” Andrea said.