ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Northern State University Department of Music recently concluded its 2024 Friends of the Arts/Young Artist Competition. Almost 20 talented high school juniors and seniors from South Dakota and North Dakota submitted video recordings for the virtual competition.

The competition offered cash awards totaling $3,750, including $500 for first-place winners of each category, $250 for second-place winners, and $150 for third-place winners. Top music scholarships will also be available for those students who choose to attend Northern State University next year.

The competition was started in 2019 as a way for prospective students to present their work, and to extend the impact of Northern’s music program throughout the state and region.

“It was a pleasure to view such outstanding performances by so many well-prepared, talented, and serious music students,” said Dr. Kenneth Boulton, dean of the School of Fine Arts. 

Listed below are all prize recipients from the competition:

Brass/Woodwind/Percussion
First Prize: Rebekah Strong, trumpet (Mitchell Christian School) - $500
Second Prize: Sean Jepsen, saxophone (Harrisburg High School) - $250
Third Prize (tie): Isaac Fode, horn (Brandon Valley High School) - $150
Third Prize (tie): Evan Olson, tuba (Ellendale High School) - $150
Third Prize (tie): Jenna Olson, horn (Colman-Egan High School) - $150

Vocal
First Prize: Anna Bisbee, soprano (Groton Area High School) - $500
Second Prize: Carmen Huber, soprano (Aberdeen Central High School) - $250
Third Prize: Jackson Klawonn, tenor (Sioux Falls Lincoln High School) - $150

Piano
First Prize: Elijas Clark (Custer) - $500
Second Prize: Emma Bowser (Aberdeen) - $250
Third Prize: Zachary Bowser (Aberdeen) - $150

Strings
First Prize: Caleb Van Vleet, viola (Rapid City Central High School) - $500
Second Prize: Taj Baang, violin (Minot High School) - $250