Program: High School Instrumental Music Competition.

Past President II Royce Moore hosted this event, which will send a winner to the Regional Competition for District 5340.  The Judges were all musicians themselves:  Kevin Culbertson, Vaughn North and Myrna North.  Judging criteria were musical ability,  empathy and technique, interpretation and stage presence.  The Awards consisted of three prizes: $100, $75 and $50.  Unusually, we had 3 contestants comprised of 2 High School Students, as one of the students performed on two instruments. 

The first contestant was Howard Kung, a sophomore from San Pasqual High School.  Performing as a pianist, he played his own compositions in a medley.   The second contestant was Chae Yoon Baek, from Del Norte High School, playing the B Flat Clarinet.  The third contestant was Howard Kung, again, this time playing the Alto Saxophone. 

For District 5340, Rotarian Bob Hartsfield from the Carlsbad Hi-Noon Club announced this was the competition’s third year for our District.  Music is one of the best ways to teach discipline and dedication, but is always the first to be cut in education funding crises.  He thanked our Club for sponsoring the competition in Escondido. 

Vaughn North, on behalf of the Judges, announced that they were extremely impressed by these contestants.  The Club is honored to have them perform for us. 

The First Place winner was Chae Yoon Baek, on the Clarinet.  She will go a long way and has real talent.  Second and Third Places went to Howard Kung on piano and saxophone. 

Past President II Royce thanked the contestants and the parents in particular for participating.  This program proves that Escondido Rotary Club is a place where people having fun help people.

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