On Saturday, Nov. 4, nine music students from the University of Arkansas competed at the statewide Music Teachers National Association Young Artist Competition hosted at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. The Young Artist competition is open to students ages 19-26 who are currently enrolled in collegiate programs.

Out of five categories, three were won by current U of A music students:

• Woodwinds, Ryan Montemayor (M.M., saxophone)
• Brass, Lauren Zygmont (M.M., horn)
• Piano, Calista Maurer, B.M., piano)

Three more students were given Honorable Mention:

• Macy James (B.M., horn)
• Tyler Trickey (B.M., saxophone)
• Wesley Becherer (M.M., oboe)

The winners will have the opportunity to compete at the national level against winners from other states. The results will be released in 2024. 

All competitors: 

• Tyler Trickey, Catherine Ryan, Erin Newberry, Ryan Montemayor, Lauren Zygmont, Macy James, Wesley Becherer, Hannah Myers, Calista Maurer.

Contributing faculty:

• Theresa Delaplain, assistant professor of oboe; Xiting Yang, assistant professor of piano; Sarah Hetrick, assistant professor of saxophone; Katey J. Halbert, visiting assistant professor of horn.