Sonora, CA– Five young musicians from the Mother Lode earned statewide honors in the California Federation of Women’s Clubs Young Musicians Competition, marking the second consecutive year foothill students have claimed multiple awards in the event. The awards were announced on May 16 during the organization’s annual convention in Ontario.
“I never thought lightning would strike twice, but it did,” said Elena Linehan, a volunteer with the Aronos Research Club.
Among the winners was Caroline Hodson of Sonora, who performed Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Largo from Sonata No. 3” and Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” on violin. Hodson has performed at the Sonora Bach Festival, with the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra, and the University of Guanajuato Youth Symphony. She studies with Makena Benz and also teaches younger violin students. Luka Holbert of Copperopolis earned honors for piano performances of Frederic Chopin’s “Polonaise” and Scott Joplin’s “Easy Winners.” Holbert has performed at the Sonora Bach Festival and has studied with Carolyn Sylva for the past decade.
Jadon Lucich of Sonora performed Joseph Haydn’s “Sonata in D Major” and Vince Guaraldi’s “Cast Your Fate To the Wind” on piano. Lucich has performed with the Summerville Union High School Jazz Band and serves as pianist for the Word of Life Worship Team and Children’s Ministry, as well as the Sierra Bible Church Youth Band. He studies with Shiloah Fenn. Evaclaire Vaughn of Jamestown received recognition for violin performances of Antonio Vivaldi’s “Violin Concerto in G Minor” and Yiruma’s “River Flows In You.” Vaughn has performed with the Columbia College Orchestra and at events hosted by Mother Lode Christian School and Ironstone Vineyards. Avarie White of Sonora was honored for vocal performances of Giovanni Paisiello’s “Nel Cor Piu Non Mi Sento” and “Silent Night” by Franz Gruber. White studied through the ShiStone School of Music and has also performed at the Sonora Bach Festival.
Linehan said the competition highlighted the strength of the region’s arts community and the talent of its young performers. “We have a vibrant arts community, and we have young musicians here whose talents need to be showcased,” she said.
Each winner received a $500 award through the statewide competition.
