Concerto Competition winners announced

The Fredonia School of Music held its annual Concerto Competition on May 3 in King Concert Hall, with student winners harpist Erin Baker of Orchard Park, baritone Michael Hawk of Fredonia and clarinetist Tyler Pfalzer of Kenmore.

They will perform as soloists with a School of Music ensemble during the 2015-16 academic year, and performance dates and details will be announced in the fall.

"Thirteen School of Music students – singers and instrumentalists – competed in this year's Concerto Competition," commented Sarah Hamilton, oboe professor and head of the Music Performance Area. "Every year, nine judges, all members of the music faculty, choose three winners from a strong pool of contestants. The winners get the opportunity to perform with School of Music ensembles the following year. I congratulate all those who auditioned, and to the teachers and accompanists that supported and prepared their students!"

Ms. Baker, a Music Performance major, will be entering her senior year in Sonja Inglefield's harp studio. "Erin is a dedicated and sensitive musician who meets every new challenge with enthusiasm," commented Ms. Inglefield. “Her consistent hard work helped her win a prize at the Erie Music Teachers Association Scholarship Competition last month, and now the Fredonia Concerto Competition. Next on our agenda: graduate school auditions!"

Mr. Hawk just completed his junior year as a Vocal Performance major in Professor Daniel Ihasz' studio. "I think the Concerto Competition marks one of the finest programs offered from the School of Music to the public all season," said Mr. Ihasz. "It represents the 'cream of the crop' in terms of the talent within the School of Music. I was so thrilled to hear the excellence with which our students performed and I am incredibly proud of all the students who are not only ambassadors of music, but who will be ambassadors of our future."

Mr. Pfalzer is entering his senior year with a double major in Music Education and Music Performance. The Kenmore native is a member of Dr. Andrew Seigel's clarinet studio. "Tyler is a wonderful and hard-working student, a fantastic musician and an all-around great human being," said Dr. Seigel. "He is equally at ease performing as soloist and in ensemble settings. I am confident that in his future roles as performer and teacher, he will brighten the world through his music."

For more information on future events in the School of Music, visit www.fredonia.edu/music.