9th Annual Young Soloist Winner Announced

The Young Soloist Competition auditions were held Nov. 19, 2016, at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church. First place winner in the college division was Andrew Thiesen, trombone, representing Bethel College. The runner-up was Billie Selichnow, trombone, also of Bethel. Also auditioning was Kento Aizawa, clarinet, representing McPherson College. There were no applicants in the high school division this year. Judges for the competition were James Jones and Nicholas Smith, both of Wichita.

Thiesen will perform with NMKSO at the Winter Classics Concert on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2016 at 4 pm in the Newton High School Auditorium, playing the “Trombone Concerto No. 4, mvt. II, III” by Ferdinand David.