Young Artists Compete for a Spot in the Warminster Orchestra

The Community Conservatory was alive with music Saturday when talented young musicians performed solo pieces in front of a quartet of judges in the hopes of winning a spot in the Warminster Symphony Orchestra.

Artists playing woodwind, brass, string, percussion or piano auditioned on Saturday, as did. The applicants had to be able to perform one “complete movement of a concerto by a major composer or an approved equivalent work,” according to the audition rules.

Mallets, Marimba and an 11-Year Old’s Passion for Music

Pearl Ramke, who hopes to enjoy a solo career as a musician, played the marimba, an African instrument from the xylophone family.  “I hit mallets against the marimba to create different sounds,” 11-year-old Pearl said as she waited for her father, Axel, to construct the large marimba so she could practice.  “Two years ago when I was in the competition, I played the same instrument.”  When asked for the name of the movement she planned to perform, Pearl said, “I’m performing ‘Fantasy on Japanese Woodprints’ by Alan Hovhaness.” 

She said she chose the piece because, “It’s a newer piece to come to orchestras, and I like it.”

Like many of the young musicians at Saturday’s competition, Pearl has been playing instruments for several years, since she was five years old, in fact. Her passion for music and her love for the marimba created good feelings in her, causing her to realize that, “I will do well.” 

A Young Pianist Enters Doylestown’s Conservatory

Eight-year-old Andy Li entered the conservatory alongside his older brother, Alex, and their mother, Xiaoling.  Alex won the children’s competition last year with the cello. 

Andy smiled when asked about this year’s competition.  “It’s the hardest competition I’ve been in so far,” he said.  He wore a navy blue suit and a pair of blue leather shoes.  “I have performed in other competitions.  There are a lot of kids at this competition.  And,” he added, “I’m the youngest competitor.”

His mom, Xiaoling, was equally excited. She said, “Children have a natural love of music.  It’s good for children to have music education.” 

She continued, “The Warminster Symphony Orchestra program is friendly to children.  Children who learn music gain confidence.”

And why the piano?  Andy said that he, "wants challenges.”  Moments later when he walked into one of the practice rooms, he sat at the piano and struck chords, some light and easy, others strong and punchy, as if he was born to play the piano.

Winning the Competition is No Small Feat

Andy’s older brother and last year’s children’s division winner, Alex, said that winning last year’s competition inspired him to “focus more on practicing music.”

Talent at this year’s competition was impressive.  Some children as young as 9 performed pieces that were thought to be too mature for musicians younger than 16 years old. 

Jim Stabilito, a Warminster Symphony Orchestra board member, attended Saturday’s event.  He worked the registration desk alongside Kathy Pincus, a friendly woman with a lively spirit; Pincus also plays in the orchestra.  She started playing the violin as an adult.  

About the competition, Pincus and Stabilito both expressed that, “there is a very high level of talent at the competition.  There is an incredible amount of skill and talent on display.”

“The orchestra holds one children’s concert a year,” Pincus added while she munched on her salad, her lunch for the day. “We want local talented children to perform in the concerts so other children can gain an appreciation for music and commit to practicing to sharpen their craft.”

“The Warminster Symphony Orchestra wants to foster a love of music in youth,” Stabilito interjected.

A Parent’s Dedication

Finished constructing the marimba instrument, Ramke returned to the conservatory’s main room.  “She never gives up,” he said referring to his young daughter, Pearl.  “She practices a lot.  She’s dedicated.” 

After several seconds, he added, “Music stays with you all of your life.  Being able to play a musical instrument is very important.  My wife plays the flute.  If you learn how to play one instrument, you can learn to play another instrument with a greater amount of ease.”

Benefits aside, it costs money, lots of it, to pay for private music lessons, something youth and adult artists need to hone their craft and excel in the competitive world of fine art.  “It would be wonderful if youth had scholarships they could receive so they could continue to learn music from accomplished teachers,” Axel shared.  “Youth can go further if they have more financial support.”

At the close of the competition, Joseph Lovecchio, one of the judges and the symphony orchestra’s director/conductor said, "I think I speak for all the judges in saying that this year's Young Artist Competition was a pleasure to hear but difficult to judge. All of the candidates demonstrated incredible talent and excellent training. The difference between the highest scores and lowest scores was minimal.  If this year's contest is an indication of the future of music, then we can be confident that our art will not only  survive, but will flourish."

Twenty-two youth entered this year’s competition.  Judges for the competition were Joseph Lovecchio, Valerie Levicoff, Donna Creely and Suzanne Zak.  The grand prize winner of the youth division (13 to 18 year olds) receives $400, while the winner of the children’s division (ages 12 and under) receives $200. The winners will be announced this Saturday.