We are proud to present the winners of the 2021 BMC High School String Competition in honor of Ethel Crook. This year’s “virtual” endeavor, conducted through innovative student-submitted audition videos, was an unprecedented success. We owe that to you and your unwavering membership support, and to the dedicated members of the Awards Committee led by Charli Daniels: Joan Rae, Mark Schlichting, Evelyn Ames, Lizanne Schader, and Chris Sasnett.
The coordinator for this competition, Mark Schlichting, brings years of experience in teaching and performing. A colleague of Joanne Donnellan, the grande dame of music education for which a special prize is named, Mark has inspired countless students during his 40-year tenure at Bellingham High School. His work in organizing this year’s innovative competition was indispensable.
We were also fortunate to have Roupen Shakarian, retired Artistic Director the Skagit Symphony, adjudicate this competition. As conductor and composer, he brings an in-depth knowledge of technique, tone, style, phrasing, and all elements that define musicianship. His insightful and encouraging comments are invaluable to our rising stars!
2nd place: Clara Kelly, violin
3rd place: Róisín Connor, violin
Joanne Donnellan Prize: Liam Connor, viola
Enjoy their winning video recordings by clicking on each picture below. Then join us again in a few weeks to meet the winners of the BMC High School Voice Competition, which honors Jack & Ginny Frymire!
