Thanks to a partnership with Vanguard University, 58 students from Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) schools participated in the annual Solo/Ensemble Festival at the Costa Mesa institution this month. Several students received medals recognizing their superior instrument skills. 

Developed by the NMUSD Arts Commission, the festival offers students in grades 5-12 the opportunity to receive additional instruction and feedback from college-level music professors. The event is available to students at no cost. Students currently participating in music programs at NMUSD can choose to perform as a duo, with a group, or individually, and they decide what to perform.

Students play for Vanguard’s music department faculty, who offer guidance, feedback, and commendation. The professors judge the performances, and the top students are invited to share their works at the evening’s culminating recital, which features students from the university’s Chamber Music ensemble.   

“The Solo/Ensemble Festival gives students the chance to level up on their instruments. What they learn from participating in the adjudication process is immeasurable,” said Teacher on Special Assignment Tamara Fairbanks.  

Seniors who participate in the festival are considered for admission and scholarships to the university’s music program.

Students who performed at the recital and received commemorative medals include:

• Costa Mesa High School students AJ Hofstad and Samantha Julian;
• Kaiser Elementary students Elliott Anderson, Gavin Anderson, Diana De La Rose, Erin Douglas, Luke Douglas, Eoin Gibney, Sanya Jonnala, Graham Klitzner, Rhys Klitzer, and Kalina Konofalski;
• Lincoln Elementary students Shiya Huang, Jacob Levine, Quyen Nechemia, Ella Nguyen, Kairi Rocha, and Emma Young;
• Newport Coast Elementary student Keegan Seigel;
• and TeWinkle Middle School students Salome Martinez Mutis, Laura Oliveros, Myda Pham, and Hadley Stouffer.

Through partnerships with Vanguard and a broad network of community and industry partnerships, Newport-Mesa students benefit from rich, hands-on learning experiences that spark passions in the arts, athletics, science, and beyond. By creating these lasting connections, the district remains dedicated to expanding students’ skill sets, fostering community engagement, and paving pathways to real-world career opportunities.