High school musicians win awards

Seven of the numerous local high school students that took part in the Civic Music Association’s competition weekend on Jan. 22-23 earned spots in the prestigious CMA High School Showcase that helped close out the musical event at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music on Milwaukee’s East Side on Sunday.

The students — each of whom got a $250 award — are:

1. Clarinetist Philip Berger, of Milwaukee, a junior at Wisconsin Lutheran High School
2. Tenor Ryan Castelaz, of New Berlin, a senior at Pius XI High School
3. Mezzo-soprano Deme Hellwig, of Shorewood, a junior at Shorewood High School
4. Soprano Katie Koester, of Shorewood, a junior at Shorewood High School
5. Pianist Cynthia McDermid, of Muskego, a senior at Muskego High School
6. Soprano Chantal Tribble, of Brookfield, a junior at Milwaukee High School of the Arts
7. Violinist Valerie Sanders, of Greenfield, a senior at Divine Savior Holy Angels High School

A number of scholarships were also announced on Sunday.

Pianist Miles Plant, of Brookfield, a senior at Brookfield Central High School, got a $1,000 John David Anello, Sr. & Albert A. Silverman Memorial Scholarship. The award, presented in collaboration with the Milwaukee UNICO chapter, offers scholarships to Wisconsin music students ages 14-22 of Italian heritage.

Violinist Valerie Sanders received a $1,000 Young Artist Scholarship, while mezzo-soprano Deme Hellwig and soprano Katie Koester each received $500 Young Artist Scholarships. The awards go to winners selected for the High School Showcase.

Cellist Hailee Boston, a senior at Milwaukee High School of the Arts, received a $500 Donald & Idabelle Mohr Scholarship,  which is available only to graduating Milwaukee Public School seniors.