Last weekend, 125 cellists age 5 through adults participated in the annual Tennessee Cello Workshop – a program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Participants came from 17 states to attend lectures and workshops, perform in master classes, play in the robust cello orchestra and compete for honors. Led by Dr. Wesley Baldwin (Professor of Cello and co-founder of Knoxville Suzuki Academy), faculty from California, Ohio, Virginia, and Tennessee taught, coached, and inspired.
Knoxville Suzuki Academy students performed exceptionally well in the pre-collegiate competitions, which were judged by Dan Allcott, Jennifer Kloetzel, and Dmitri Kouzov. Join us in congratulating:
- Mabelle Zhang, grade 7, was winner of the high school division. Having handily won the middle school competition previously, she had to compete in the high school division!
- Lydia Toth, grade 10, tied for second prize in the high school division. Additionally, Lydia was awarded a professional quality bow from Knoxville Fine Violins for her performance and potential to advance in the field, as well as use of a professional quality contemporary cello from Brobst Violin Shop for one year.
- Skylar Chen, grade 6, took third prize in the middle school division. Her rendition of The Chevy Chase was particularly outstanding, wowing both judges and audience members alike.
We look forward to sharing more about each of these bright students in future! All three are students of Dr. Wesley Baldwin at the Knoxville Suzuki Academy. Dr. Baldwin teaches collegiate students at UTK, over 20 students at KSA, and maintains an active performing career. Congratulations to all!