Greetings, fellow Oak Lawnians!
Musichorale, a community choir that calls Oak Lawn Community Church its home, recently announced the winners of its annual instrumental scholarship competition.
The event took place Feb. 28 and was open to all students in grades six to 12.
The winner was John Heo, a violinist and an eighth-grader from Northbrook Junior High School in Northbrook. He will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Heo performed Felix Mendelssohn’s Concerto in E Minor, Opus 64.
Second place went to Tabby Rhee (violinist), a junior at Brookfield East High School in Brookfield, Wisconsin, who received $500. Rhee performed Jean Sibelius’s Concerto in D Minor, Opus 47. Third place went to Amelia Korbitz (violinist), an eighth-grader from Jefferson Junior High School in Woodridge, who received $250. Korbitz performed Joseph Haydn’s Concerto No. 2 in D Major.
Honorable mentions were awarded to Michelle Jugovich, a harpist from Western Springs; Seungmok Baek, a cellist from Buffalo Grove; and Justin Lee, a violinist from Buffalo Grove.
Musichorale, which is in its 68th season, has been hosting its annual vocal and instrumental competition for more than 20 years. The vocal competition takes place in the fall.
Scholarship competition chairwoman Gina Gamez, a five-year member of Musichorale, said members “are a wonderful group of people. They’re like a second family. I’ve made very lasting friendships.”
Gamez said Muischorale usually gets 12 to 16 contestants for each competition, and they must be amateurs.
On the day of the competition, contestants perform in front of three judges, all of whom have a master’s degree in music and teach music. Instrumental contestants have a six-minute maximum time slot to perform.
Gamez’s advice for contestants is simple.
“They should choose a piece that showcases their full talent for that six-minute allotment,” she said.
Winners are chosen based on how well they perform, their musical selection, their overall presentation and other criteria.
“Winners are chosen on every little nuance of their performance. Judges look at how comfortable the contestants are performing, how well they interpret music, and we encourage contestants to memorize their sheet music,” Gamez said.
Heo is to perform two pieces and be presented with his scholarship check at Musichorale’s spring concert at 3:20 p.m. April 19 at Trinity Christian College’s Ozinga Auditorium, 6601 College Drive, Palos Heights.
This year’s concert theme is “An Irish Spring” and will feature an Irish dancer, a bagpiper, and Musichorale member Pat Harthun, who will play her guitar and sing several Irish tunes with the voices of the choir.
Musichorale invites anyone in high school and older who enjoys music or singing to become a member. A musical background and knowledge of how to read sheet music are not required.
Anyone interested in visiting or joining the choir is invited to visit the choir’s rehearsals at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Oak Lawn Community Church, 9000 S. Ridgeland Ave., or visit its website at http://www.musichorale.org.
Tickets to the spring concert can be purchased in advance for $14 from Musichorale members, at the door for $15 or by calling (773) 239-6279.
The Ozinga Auditorium is handicapped-accessible, and free valet parking will be available.
Birthdays and anniversaries
Here are this week’s celebrity birthdays: Happy birthday to Grace Cadeau, who’s turning 9, from her parents, Dale and Rob, sisters, grandparents and Chico. Happy 13th birthday to Stephanie Sawicki, from her parents, Yolanda and Steve, and brothers, Steven, Sterling and Sebastian. Happy sweet 16th birthday to Kacie Misner from her parents. Happy 16th birthday wishes go out to Samuel Kamper from his parents.
Birthday wishes go out to Taylor Guagenti, who’s turning 16; and Alex Griff, who’s turning 30. Happy 24th birthday to Jessie Wierdak from her family. Aaron Weibel’s parents and family wish him a happy 25th birthday. Happy birthday to Vicki Sinon, from her daughters, Rachel and Katelyn, and her family. Bob McCarville sends loving birthday wishes to his wife, Barb. Happy birthday to Debbie Weston from her family and Cocoa.
Roxanne Sanderson’s family wish her a happy birthday. Happy birthday to Jeannine McFee, from her Aunt Antoinette. Happy birthday to Pam Fleming, from Tim and Polly. Happy birthday to Alicia Rylko from her family. Karen Hansen’s family wish her a happy birthday. Birthday wishes go out to Avis Clendenen. Happy birthday to Jack Baker and George Cachares. Happy birthday to Jim Collachia, who’s turning 71, from his wife, Laura, their family and Raiders friends.
Wedding anniversary wishes go out to Nick and Julie Leveille, who are celebrating their ninth anniversary.
Keep your fellow Oak Lawnians informed about birthdays, special events or special “stuff” going on with your family or within the community. Call me at (708) 899-9544.
Until next time …
Cheryl Petzel is a freelance columnist for the Daily Southtown.
