EPSMF ANNOUNCES INSTRUMENT AWARDS AND FINALISTS IN 2026 COMPETITION FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS

March 31, 2026

Contact: Lynn Provenzano:  915-449-0619 or lprovenzano@epsmf.org

El Paso, Texas–The El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future (EPSMF) announces six finalists for the 2026 Competition for Young Musicians. This competition calls to exceptionally talented students between the ages of eight and nineteen to compete for cash awards with classical music repertoire. The competition has grown to cross borders with local, national, and international applications. The top award is $1800 and the opportunity to perform in EPSMF’s events followed by second and third place awards of $700 and $500. All finalists in this competition will be recognized for their achievements. 

Competition performances will be live and recorded on Sunday, May 10, 2026, starting at 3PM at Star City Studios, 120 W Castellano Dr Suite A, El Paso, TX 79912. The public is invited to attend. Free admission, Donations welcome. 

The 2026 Competition Finalists are: 

Judy Caranto - piano

Judy Caranto is eighteen and a freshman at El Paso Community College. She has been studying with Anna Habicht, is active with the El Paso Music Teachers Association, and has performed in several Solo and Sonatina Festivals, the Borderland Chopin Competition, and the El Paso Society for Young Musician Competition. 

Madeleine Luffey – violin

Madeleine Luffey is fifteen, in the ninth grade and is homeschooled. She studies with Dr. Stephen Nordstrom and has participated in Suzuki Institute programs, the UTEP String Project and numerous music camps, workshops, and master classes. 

Ittai Schweiger - piano

Ittai Schweiger is eighteen and a senior at Coronado High School. He studies with Anna Habicht, He plays with his church band ensemble and has participated in competitions, including the Borderland Chopin Competition and the El Paso Society for Young Musicians Competition. 

Francisco Soto - piano

Francisco Soto is fourteen and an eighth grader at Eastwood Middle School. He studies with Anna Habicht. He sings in the Tenor Bass Choir for Eastwood Middle School and made first alternate for the UIL All Region Jazz Band for Piano. 

Sean Villalobos - piano

Sean Villalobos is ten and fourth grader at Mesita Elementary School. He studies with Mario Monteros. He has competed in the El Paso Conservatory of Music Competitions and has been an Honorary Guest Pianist at the Magoffin Home State Historic Site. 

Bradley Yoshawirja - piano

Bradley Yoshawirja is twelve and a sixth grader at iUniversity Prep. He studies with Anna Habicht, and has participated in the Borderland Chopin Festival, the El Paso Society for Young Musicians Competition, and in local Solo and Sonatina Festivals. 

The 2026 INSTRUMENTS FOR YOUNG LIVES AWARDS ANNOUNCEMENT

This year’s instrument recipients are:

Penelope Feldman – double bass

Penelope Feldman is sixteen and an 11th grader at Burges High School. She studies with Nathan T, Black, and currently plays with the El Paso Youth Symphony Orchestra. She is the 2026 TMEA All-State 5A Concert Band principal bassist. Her hopes, dreams, and aspirations “include performing as a professional orchestral musician…I believe that experience would challenge me to grow both as a musician and as a colleague, pushing me to reach a higher level of artistry.”

Ivan Navarro – viola

Ivan Navarro is sixteen and an 11th grader at Socorro High School. He studies with Aime De Anda and has consistently qualified in UIL Solo and Ensemble State competitions and has ranked well in the TMEA All-Regions. He plays with the Socorro High School Junior Varsity Orchestra. His future aspiration “is to become a great musician but, not only performing, otherwise stating the importance of music in every aspect.”

Juan Comos-Rios – tenor trombone w/ f-attachment

Juan Comos-Rios is seventeen and an 11th grader at Americas High School. He studies with Dr. Allan Kaplan and has been the Outstanding soloist at the SISD Jazz Fest and Outstanding Soloist at the Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival at NMSU. His dream “is to become a professional trombone player and eventually become a professor at a university.”

Applications for the 2026-2027 Competition for Young Musicians and Instruments for Young Lives Program will be available in September 2026. 

Watch for announcements regarding EPSMF competitions, events, and application deadlines.

The El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future is a non-profit organization dedicated to bridging generations through quality classical music programs.

EPSMF events are made possible with the support of the City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department, the El Paso Community Foundation and generous contributions from members of the community.

Lynn A. Provenzano 

El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future

701 Waltham Court

El Paso, TX 79922

915-449-0619

lprovenzano@epsmf.org

EPSMF IYL DEADLINE EXTENDED to MARCH 14

For Immediate Release 

February 16, 2026

Contact: Lynn Provenzano 915-449-0619 or lprovenzano@epsmf.org 

Application Deadline for INSTRUMENTS FOR YOUNG LIVES Extended to March 14, 2026

The El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future(EPSMF) partners with long-time El Paso business Olivas Music to award new step-up musical instruments to deserving students. Students will be selected on the basis of exceptional musical talent, unmet financial need, solid academic achievement, discipline in music education and strength of character. Recipients must be from 8 to 18 years old, be U.S. citizens and not have entered college during the 2025-2026 school year. Recipients will become participants in the EPSMF outreach and Ambassador Leadership Program. 

The deadline for the 2026 IYL application has been extended. Applications must be postmarked no later than March 14, 2026. Recipients will be announced on March 30, 2026. Watch for announcements. 

For information on how to apply a go to the El Paso Society for Young Musicians website; https://www.epsmf.org/instruments-for-young-lives 

Samuel Duke Griñé, Coronad HighSchool, received a CC Tuba through the 2025 Instruments for Young Live Program. Previous awards have included flutes, violins, cellos, clarinets, oboes and trombones. 

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An additional program, POISE (Pre-owned Instruments for Symphonic Education) supporting students demonstrating musical aptitude and an interest in pursuing music education is open for applications. https://www.epsmf.org/poise Instruments are awarded based on instrument availability and need. 

EPSMF events are made possible with the support of the City of El Paso Museum Cultural Affairs, El Paso Community Foundation and generous contributions from members of the community.

Lynn A. Provenzano 

El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future

701 Waltham Court

El Paso, TX 79922

915-449-0619

lprovenzano@epsmf.org

DEADLINES APPROACHING FOR EPSMF YOUTH PROGRAMS - INSTRUMENTS & COMPETITIONS FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS - JAN 31st For Immediate Release

January 19, 2026  

Contact: Lynn Provenzano 915-449-0619 or lprovenzano@epsmf.org  

 El Paso, Texas—The El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future (EPSMF) is accepting applications to enter the 2026 Competition for Young Musicians and Instruments for Young Live Program. The deadlines are approaching. Applications are online at www.epsmf.org  

 Applications for the COMPETITION FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS must be postmarked by January 31, 2026.  

 The competition is open to classical musicians (all instruments and voice) ages 8 through 19. The winner will be selected from among six finalists. The winner will receive an $1800 first prize. The second-place award is $700, and third place award is $500. Finalists will be announced on March 30, 2026. Finalists will compete via safe protocols, processes, and conditions. Watch for announcements.   

 Applications for INSTRUMENTS FOR YOUNG LIVES must be postmarked by January 31, 2026.   

  EPSMF partners with long-time El Paso business Olivas Music to award new musical instruments to deserving students. Students will be selected on the basis of exceptional classical musical talent, unmet financial need, solid academic achievement, discipline in music education and strength of character. Recipients must be from 8 to 18 years old, be U.S. citizens and not have entered college during the 2025-2026 school year. Recipients will become participants in the EPSMF outreach and Ambassador Leadership Program. Recipients will be announced on March 30, 2026. Watch for these announcements.  

 For information on how to apply a go to the El Paso Society for Young Musicians website; www.epsmf.org   

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The El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future is a non-profit organization dedicated to bridging generations through quality classical music programs. In 2025, pianist, Isabelle Tosado Diaz was awarded First Place out of six finalists in the annual Competition for Young Musicians. Jane Caranto, pianist, was awarded Second Place and Oliver Su, pianist, was awarded Third Place. Recognition for Achievement was given to pianists Bradly Yoshawirja, Angel Lin, and Nicolas Samaniego. 

 Samuel Duke Griñé received a CC Tuba through the Instruments for Young Live Program.  

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EPSMF events are made possible with the support of the City of El Paso Museum Cultural Affairs, El Paso Community Foundation and generous contributions from members of the community. 

Lynn A. Provenzano  

El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future 

701 Waltham Court 

El Paso, TX 79922 

915-449-0619 

lprovenzano@epsmf.org 

EPSMF ANNOUNCES OM/NI WINNERS IN STRINGS COMPETITION FOR YOUNG COMPOSERS

October 26, 2025

Contact: Lynn Provenzano:  915-449-0619 or lprovenzano@epsmf.org

El Paso, Texas–The El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future (EPSMF) announces the winners in the Original Music/New Ideas (OM/NI) Strings Competition for Young Composers. This competition calls to exceptionally talented composers to compete for cash awards with new original music scores in two categories, emerging Composers (ages 17-25) and the Junior Division (ages 9-16). Winning scores were performed and recorded on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Unity Church, 1420 Alabama, El Paso, TX 79905. 

The 2023-2025 Strings Competition Winners are: 

JUNIOR DIVISION: (ages 9-16)

1st Place:

 Bird Island: Michal Šlais (Unaccompanied Violin) 

2nd Place:

Euler-Scherzo: Nathaniel Koh B.Y. (Accompanied Violin) 

3rd Place:

whitewashed: Adah Kaplan (Unaccompanied Violin)

EMERGENT DIVISION: (ages 17-25)

 1st Place

Prisoners of Hope by Kian Ravaei (Unaccompanied Cello Solo)

2nd Place

Rondo for Solo Violin No. 1 by Amir Avsker (Unaccompanied Violin Solo)

3rd Place

A Dialogue for Cello and Piano, by Rohan Srinivasan (Accompanied Cello Solo)

The competition has grown to cross borders with local, national, and international applications. The top Emerging Composer award is $750 and the followed by second and third place awards of $500 and $250. The top award in the Junior Division is $300 followed by second and third place awards of $200 and $100. All finalists are eligible for the Audience Choice Award of $200. All of the finalists in this competition will be publicly recognized for their achievements. 

EPSMF ANNOUNCES OM/NI FINALISTS IN STRINGS COMPETITION FOR YOUNG COMPOSERS

September 15, 2024

Contact: Lynn Provenzano:  915-449-0619 or lprovenzano@epsmf.org

El Paso, Texas–The El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future (EPSMF) announces the finalists for the Original Music/New Ideas (OM/NI) Strings Competition for Young Composers. This competition calls to exceptionally talented composers to compete for cash awards with new original music scores in two categories, emerging Composers (ages 17-25) and the Junior Division (ages 9-16). The competition has grown to cross borders with local, national, and international applications. The top Emerging Composer award is $750 and the followed by second and third place awards of $500 and $250. The top award in the Junior Division is $300 followed by second and third place awards of $200 and $100. All finalists are eligible for the Audience Choice Award of $200. All of the finalists in this competition will be publicly recognized for their achievements. 

Winning scores will be announced, performed and recorded on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Unity Church, 1420 Alabama, El Paso, TX 79905

The 2023-2025 Strings Competition Finalists are: 

JUNIOR DIVISION: (ages 9-16)

Euler-Scherzo: Nathaniel Koh B.Y. (Accompanied Violin) 

Arise: Justin Harvey (Accompanied Cello)

Her Name’s…Mahogany: Antonia Zhurak (Accompanied Cello) 

Bird Island: Michal Šlais (Unaccompanied Violin) 

whitewashed: Adah Kaplan (Unaccompanied Violin)

Kaleidoscope: Koharu Sakiyama (Unaccompanied Violin)

Waltz in Bb Major: Skye Neal. (Unaccompanied Violin)

EMERGENT DIVISION: (ages 17-25)

Wintergale by James Pecore (Unaccompanied Violin Solo)

Rondo for Solo Violin No. 1 by Amir Avsker (Unaccompanied Violin Solo)

The Fairy and the Woodcutter by Soomin Kim (Accompanied Violin Solo)

Two Pieces for Solo Violin: Guy Shapira (Unaccompanied Violin)

Two Hispanic Dances for Violin and Piano by Jorge Tabares (Accompanied Violin Solo)

Distorted Plainsong by Alex Watson (Unaccompanied Cello Solo)

Prisoners of Hope by Kian Ravaei (Unaccompanied Cello Solo)

A Dialogue by Rohan Srinivasan (Accompanied Cello Solo)

EPSMF ANNOUNCES WINNERS IN 2024 COMPETITION FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS AND INSTRUMENT AWARDS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 1, 2025

Contact: Lynn Provenzano:  915-449-0619 or lprovenzano@epsmf.org

El Paso, Texas–The El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future (EPSMF) announces the winners for the 2025 Competition for Young Musicians and the recipients of the Instruments for Young Lives awards.  

The Competition for Young Musicians calls to exceptionally talented students between the ages of eight and nineteen to compete for cash awards with classical music repertoire. The top award is $1800 followed by second and third place awards of $700 and $500. All of the finalists in this competition are recognized for their achievements.  New step-up instruments are awarded to young musicians who demonstrate talent, commitment and unmet financial need through the Instruments for Young Lives program.

Awards were announced at the EPSMF Honoree Dinner on June 19, 2025 at Sunset Gardens in the Upper Valley of El Paso. Retired music educator, Diana Gillaland, was recognized and applauded for her decades of service to the children of El Paso through music education. 

Competition performances were live and recorded on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Star City Sudio. Six finalists competed in this year’s competition.

The 2025 COMPETITION FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS standings are: 

1st PLACE: Isabella Tosado-Díaz - piano

ISABELLA TOSADO-DIAZ -piano- is a 12th grade homeschooler and has played piano for seven years. Ever since she was little, she loved music and from the moment she first performed on stage, she knew she wanted to do that for the rest of her life. It brings her great joy to play for others since it allows her to connect with people in a way only music can. She also enjoys martial arts, painting, gymnastics, baking, decorating, designing and strategy games. She is grateful to God for this new chapter of life in beginning college. Her dream is to become a professional pianist and composer, growing as a musician, and to continue to share her love of music. Isabella was the 2nd place winner in the 2024 EPSMF Competition for Young Musicians.

2nd PLACE: Judy Caranto - piano

JANE CARANTO -piano- is a freshman in high school. She has been playing piano since she was seven, participating in numerous recitals and festivals. She recently won first place in the high school category for the Borderland Chopin Competition and will play in the TMTA Performance Competition as a semifinalist in Houston this summer. She has also won first place in Baroque competitions throughout the years. In addition to playing the piano, Jane is an avid reader, enjoys attending Kung Fu and Jiu Jitsu classes, started running, loves food, and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She hopes to share her love of music to all through her program.

3rd PLACE: Oliver Su – piano

OLIVER SU -piano- is an active, dedicated and serious young boy who has been studying piano for the past five years. He started playing piano when he was six years old and tried his best to keep practicing every single day to reach his full potential. Due to some unexpected challenges during the COVID period, he had to pause his practice. However, in 2021, he resumed his piano journey after meeting his teacher, Anna Habicht. Over the past three years of studying with her, his skills have grown significantly, especially through focused technical practice. Additionally, he is a very active member of the El Paso Music Teachers Association and has participated in many recitals. He has also been recognized with awards in the Baroque contest. He believes that music is a lifelong gift—something always return to, even when we grow older and retire. “...being able to play the piano means having a way to express myself and find comfort and happiness throughout life.”

Recognition For Achievement: Angel Lin – piano

ANGEL LIN -piano- is a dedicated 13-year-old who has always had a passion for music. From a young age, she was inspired by watching her mother and older brother play the piano, sparking her own interest in learning the instrument. At age 11, she began proper piano lessons with Dr. Macchioni for a few months and later continued her studies with her current teacher, Joe Lecher. Recently, Angel competed at the Borderland Chopin Festival, where she earned third place. As a 7th grader at Hornedo Middle School, Angel balances her musical pursuits with academics and other activities. She plays first violin in her school’s top orchestra and previously led her 6th grade ensemble to success, earning a 1+ rating from the judges. She also received a 1+ rating for her solo performance. Outside of music, Angel is a competitive swimmer and enjoys staying active after school.

Recognition For Achievement: Nicolas Heiman Samaniego- piano

NICOLAS HEIMAN SAMANIEGO is a 16-year-old Sophomore who attends El Paso High. He began playing piano at the age of nine and is looking forward to continuing playing in the future. Over the past seven years, Nicolas has studied under several instructors and performed in local recitals, school concerts, and regional and state music festivals. His favorite composers include Chopin, Beethoven, and Debussy, which are reflected in the pieces he chooses to play. Outside of music, Nicolas is also a dedicated athlete. He plays as an outside back on his high school’s varsity soccer team and plays club soccer for Locomotive FC. He has been playing soccer for over a decade, and he believes that both music and sports teach focus, discipline, and creative expression in their own ways.

Recognition For Achievement: Bradley Yoshawirja - piano

BRADLEY YOSHAWIRJA -piano- is a fifth grader in Polk Elementary's dual language program. From a family of classical musicians and ballet dancers, Bradley showed an interest in piano at an early age. At five, he began studying piano with Anna Habicht. He placed 3rd in his category in the 2023 Borderland Chopin Festival and placed 1st in 2025. Bradley was also a finalist in the 2024 EPSMF Competition for Young Musicians. In addition to numerous recitals, sonatina and solo festivals, and the annual baroque music competitions, Bradley has also accompanied Company ballet class at El Paso Ballet Theatre. Bradley likes music with interesting and complex rhythms. When he’s not playing piano, Bradley enjoys tennis and golf, and he competes regularly in local tournaments. He follows Formula 1 racing and listens to country music in the car while on his way to his many lessons and activities. Bradley loves building LEGO with his sister, and they are both avid birdwatchers. One of his favorite ways to spend rare free time is to travel to any special location with his family to identify and watch birds.

2025 INSTRUMENTS FOR YOUNG LIVES AWARDS ANNOUNCEMENT

This year’s instrument recipients are:

Samuel Duke Griñé – CC Tuba

Samuel Duke Griñé is a sophomore at Coronado High School. He has been studying tuba for eight years. He also plays the cello, bass trombone and bass. He is currently in the Coronado High School Marching Band, Symphony and Chamber Orchestra, Choir and Concert/Wind Symphony Band. He also plays with the El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestra. Duke’s musicianship is recognized with his All Region accomplishments. “Being able to receive a CC tuba...would allow me to take a step into a whole new world, allowing me to experience the true reality of my instrument and my abilities.”

Applications for the 2025-2026 Competition for Young Musicians and Instruments for Young Lives Program will be available in September 2025. 

Watch for announcements regarding EPSMF competitions, events, and application deadlines.

The El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future is a non-profit organization dedicated to bridging generations through quality classical music programs.

EPSMF events are made possible with the support of the City of El Paso Museum Cultural Affairs, El Paso Community Foundation and generous contributions from members of the community.

EPSMF ANNOUNCES THE WINNERS IN 2023 COMPETITION FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS

El Paso, Texas–The El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future (EPSMF) announces the winners for the 2023 Competition for Young Musicians.  This competition calls to exceptionally talented students between the ages of eight and nineteen to compete for cash awards with classical music repertoire. The top award is $1800 followed by second and third place awards of $700 and $500. All of the finalists in this competition will be publicly recognized for their achievements. 

Competition performances were live and recorded on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church (5005 Love Road, El Paso, TX 79922) at 3PM. A recording of the finalists' performance will be available on the EPSMF website (www.epsmf.org).

The 2023 Competition for Young Musician Standings are: 

WINNER: Kathryn Haluschak- piano

Kathryn Haluschak is seventeen and is homeschooled.  She studies piano with Anna Habicht. She has played in several ensembles, All State Festivals and numerous Sonatina and Solo Festivals through EPMTA. Kathryn was a finalist in the 2019, 2020 and 2021 EPSMF competitions and placed second in the 2022 EPSMF Competition for Young Musicians.

2nd PLACE: Sunny Ellsworth - cello

Sunny Ellsworth is sixteen and is homeschooled. She has studied the cello for twelve years and currently studies with Hyerim Mapp. She has attended the University of North Texas Summer Strings Institute and the Louisiana State University Collaborative Piano Institute. Last year, she was invited to play with the New Mexico State Philharmonic.

3rd PLACE: Judy Caranto - piano

Judy Caranto is fifteen and attends the St. Philomena Homeschool Academy. She has studied piano for seven years and currently studies piano with Anna Habicht. She has performed in several solo and sonatina festivals and baroque competitions. Judy was a finalist in the EPSMF 2021 Competition for Young Musicians and placed third in the 2022 EPSMF Competition.

RECOGNITION FOR ACHIEVEMENT: Sophia Cao - piano

Sophia Cao is ten and attends a public school. She has studied piano for five years and currently studies piano with Anna Habicht. She has participated, in the past three years, in the Texas Music Teachers Association Baroque Piano Competition.

RECOGNITION FOR ACHIEVEMENT: Ittai Schweiger - piano

Ittai Schweiger is fifteen and attends I-University Prep/ He has been playing piano for seven years and currently studies with Anna Habicht. He has won awards in two Baroque festivals. He also plays with his church worship band.

RECOGNITION FOR ACHIEVEMENT: Stephan Hatem - piano

Stephan Hatem is sixteen and attends Eastwood High School where he is in the Top 20 of his class. He has studied the piano for seven years and currently studies with Dr. Ezequiel Meza.

The 2023 INSTRUMENTS FOR YOUNG LIVES AWARDS RECIPIENT: 

Alexa Ortiz-Hernandez – Bb clarinet

Alexa Ortiz-Hernandez is eighteen and a senior at El Dorado High School. She has performed with the All Region Band (2020-2023), Aside from playing in El Dorado High School bands and orchestra, she has participated in the All State Band (2023) and the Southwest Honor Band (2022-2023). She has received the Drum Major Award and has recognized as an Outstanding Honor Ban Member. According to Alexa, “my passion for music is huge… an instrument of my own would be the best tool to not only study my passion but to spread my love for it to those around me.”

Competition finalists will receive their awards at the EPSMF OM/NI Talk: String 2023 event on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at St. Mark's United Methodist Church (5005 Love Road) at 3PM. This event is free to the public. All are welcome to attend. 

EPSMF is a 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit organization. The 2022-2023 EPSMF events and programs have been made possible with the support of the El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department, the El Paso Community Foundation, the Paso del Norte Foundation, Texas Commission for the Arts, and generous patrons from the community. www.epsmf.org

Applications for the 2023 Season are now online!

For both the Instruments for Young Lives and Competition for Young Musicians - applicants may now access and begin the application process!

EPSMF ANNOUNCES FINALISTS IN 2022 COMPETITION FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS

April 10, 2022

Contact: Lynn Provenzano 915-449-0619

El Paso, Texas–The El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future (EPSMF) announces seven finalists for the 2022 Competition for Young Musicians.  This competition calls to exceptionally talented students between the ages of eight and nineteen to compete for cash awards with classical music repertoire. The competition has grown to cross borders with local, national, and international applications. The top award is $1800 and the opportunity to perform in EPSMF’s events followed by second and third place awards of $700 and $500. All of the six finalists in this competition will be publicly recognized for their achievements. 

Competition performances will be recorded at a location/date concurring with safety guidelines.

The 2022 Competition Finalists are: 

Catherine Claire Ancell- piano

Claire Ancell is fourteen and attends El Paso High School. She has been studying piano for eight years and currently studies with Dr. Ezekiel Meza. Claire has performed in several EPMTA affiliate recitals as well as Sonata Festivals and Solo Festivals. She is inspired by Argentine-Swiss classical concert pianist Martha Argerich.

Judy Caranto- piano

Judy Caranto is fourteen and attends the St. Philomena Homeschool Academy. She studies piano with Anna Habicht. She has performed in several solo and sonatina festivals and baroque competitions. Judy was a finalist in the EPSMF 2021 Competition for Young Musicians. She enjoys listening to Mozart compositions. 

Ricardo Chacón - cello

Ricardo Chacón is seventeen and a senior at Americas High School. He has been playing the cello for more than six years and currently studies with Jose Rios.  He performs with the El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestra, the UTEP Symphony Orchestra, the Americas High School Varsity Orchestra, and the TMEA All Region Symphony Orchestra. He is inspired by YoYo Ma. 

Kathryn Haluschak- piano

Kathryn Haluschak is sixteen and is homeschooled.  She studies piano with Anna Habicht. She has played in several ensembles, All State Festivals and numerous Sonatina and Solo Festivals through EPMTA.  She currently plays for her church youth choir. Kathryn was a finalist in the 2019, 2020 and 2021 EPSMF competitions. She enjoyed learning Claude Debussy’s L’isle Joyeuse. 

Sahid Palacios- violin

Sahid Palacios is eighteen and a freshman at New Mexico State University. He currently studies violin with Simon Gallo and performs with the NMSU Philharmonic Orchestra. and in a local Mariachi group. He has participated in the El Paso Border Folk Festival and in the State Mariachi Festival. He admires Friedrich-Max "Fritz" Kreisler “…because of his incredible charm and the nostalgia that he puts into his pieces.”

Vincent Yang - piano

Vincent Yang is seventeen and attends I-University Prep/ He has been playing piano for thirteen years and currently studies with Dr. Ezequiel Meza. He was the winner of the 2020 EPSMF Competition and has attended the International Keyboard Odyssiad and Festival U.S.A.  Vincent would like to perform for Sofia Gubaidulina and talk with her about interpretations of her work.

The 2022 INSTRUMENTS FOR YOUNG LIVES AWARDS RECIPIENT will also be introduced at this competition. 

This year’s instrument recipient is:

Luis Flores-Trejo - flute

Luis Flores-Trejo is sixteen and a junior at Ysleta High School. He has performed with the Ysleta Marching Band and the Ysleta Honor Concert Band. He has participated in All-Region Auditions and State Solo and Ensemble. He is the 4th Chair in the Symphonic All-Region Band. 

Applications for the 2022-2023 Competition for Young Musicians and Instruments for Young Lives Program will be available in September 2022. 

Watch for announcements regarding EPSMF competitions, events, and application deadlines.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO RECEIVE FREE INSTRUMENTS

April 6, 2021 

 Contact: Lynn Provenzano 915-449-0619  www.epsmf.org 

 El Paso, Texas–The El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future (EPSMF) is pleased to announce the 2021, recipients of new instruments from its Instruments for Young Lives Program. These students have demonstrated musical and academic achievement, strong character and unmet financial need.  

 This year’s instrument recipients are: 

 Hannia Jiménez- flute 

Hannia is fifteen years old and a sophomore at Coronado High School. She participates in the Coronado High School Marching Band and the El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestra. Hannia states, “…I feel that music has been the most rewarding music that I have ever come across.” 

Christian Chaparro- oboe 

Christian is fourteen years old and an eight grade student at Ysleta Middle School. He has participated in the YISD Young Band Festival, the District Honor Band, and the Hanks Jazz Festival. Christian shared, “…it would be fulfilling knowing that my hard work paid off for something that is out of my reach.” 

New, step-up instruments will be awarded to these exceptional students.  

 The Instruments for Young Lives program is a partnership between The El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future and longtime El Paso business Olivas Music. The program is  

designed to assist talented young musicians with good instruments to support their music education. Applicants must demonstrate musical and academic excellence. Recipients will become participants in the El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future outreach and Ambassador Leadership Program.  

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The El Paso Society for Musicians of the Future  (EPSMF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality classical music programs. The organization has a growing commitment to offer opportunities to young musicians along with outreach to the Borderland.  

 EPSMF  events are made possible with the support of the El Paso Museum and Cultural Affairs Department as well as the El Paso Community Foundation and donations from the community at large.  

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