Members of the Symphony Orchestra are welcome to compete annually in the TYS Concerto Competition for an opportunity to perform a concerto in front of a symphony orchestra in a high caliber live performance. Designed to give young aspiring musicians the opportunity to perform in a professional setting on a selection of their choice to showcase their masterful artistry on their instrument. Applicants are selected by an independent panel of distinguished judges.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR
CONCERTO COMPETITION WINNERS!
2025 WINNERS:
Mia Brown, clarinet
Fantasia da Concerto on a theme from “La Traviata” by Guiseppe Verde - Donato Lovreglio
Mia Brown won the TYS Concerto Competition as a sophomore at Jenks High School. She was also a member of the Oklahoma All-State Wind Ensemble and participant in the NCDA district honor band and Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute Orchestra. She would also like to thank her band director, Mr. Scott Hillock and her private instructor, Dr. David Carter for their persistent encouragement and instruction. Mia plans to double major in Dental Hygiene and Clarinet Performance, and would like to peruse a career as a soloist.
Madison Ingram, violin
Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64: I. Allegro molto appassionato - Felix Mendelssohn
Madison Ingram won the TYS Concerto Competition as a 16 year old accomplished violinist from Owasso. Sho began playing at the age of 5 under the guidance of former TSO violinist Michael Nicholson and Dr. Gregory Lee. She has participated in the studio classes instructed by Dr. Gregory Lee and Dr. Yena Lee at Oklahoma University. She has demonstrated exceptional talent, serving as the concertmaster at Edison HS, performing at nursing homes, and has previously served as concertmaster of TYS Prestige Advanced Strings 2023. Madison has earned a spot in the prestigious OKMea All-State 2 years. Madison has recently made it to the final round of OKPHIL Young Musician Competition 2025 as one of the top 5 finalists in Senior violin division.
Gavin Yanik, oboe
Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64: I. Allegro molto appassionato - Felix Mendelssohn
Gavin Yanik won the TYS Concerto Competition as a senior at Jenks High School and was a member of the TYS Symphony Orchestra for two years, and Concert Orchestra for one. Additionally, he was a member of the NCDA honor band for five years, and for three years he has won the first chair position in the Oklahoma All-State Wind Symphony and was a 3 year member of the Oklahoma Summer Art Institute’s Orchestra. He has always loved music, and he wants to especially thank his band director Mr. Scott Hillock and his private instructor Kristin Weber for their support and guidance. Gavin plans to attend either the University of Oklahoma or the University of Colorado, majoring in oboe performance. He hopes to build a career as a concert oboist in a professional orchestra.
2024 WINNERS:
Will Lester, clarinet
Concerto No. 2 in E-flat Major, Op. 7: III. Polacca - Carl Maria von Weber
Will Lester won the TYS Concerto Competition as a senior at Collinsville High School and was a member of the TYS Symphony Orchestra for three years. Additionally, he was a member of the NCDA honor band for six years, a three-time All-State Clarinetist and participated in the Oklahoma Arts Institute’s Orchestra. Beginning in 6th grade, he knows that his teachers shaped his love of music and owes thanks to Rod Mackey and Nicholas Chavez, and his private instructor Laurie Hall. Will plans to attend the University of Tulsa, studying Biochemistry and continuing playing clarinet in the TU Symphony.
Dylan Perez, cello
Cello Concerto in D minor: I. Prélude - Edouardo Lalo
Dylan Perez’s musical journey is truly impressive and reflects his talent and dedication to his craft. Starting his passion for the cello at the young age of three and being a member of prestigious musical ensembles such as the Tulsa Youth Symphony, Chamber Music Ensemble, the Tulsa Honors Orchestra, and the Savannah, GA Youth Symphony demonstrate his commitment to musical excellence.
As an accomplished pianist, composer, and arranger, Dylan’s creativity shines through. Studying under the renowned cello instructors Diane Bucchianeri and Jeffrey LaStrapes has played a significant role in shaping Dylan’s musical abilities and achievements. As a TYS Concerto Competition winner of just 14 years old, Dylan has won numerous awards and auditions for both cello and piano, including the Charleston Music Competition and a spot in the 2024 and 2025 Summer in Carnegie Hall’s NYO2 program, showcasing him as a rising star in the music world.
Dylan is grateful for the support of his family, teacher, and conductors.
2023 WINNERS:
Luis Nuñez, flute
Concerto for Flute, Op. 107 - Cécile Chaminade
Luis Nuñez won the TYS Concerto Competition as a junior from Sapulpa High School. He was a member of TYS for four years (one year in Concert Orchestra and three years in Symphony Orchestra). Additionally, Luis has been a member of the NCDA honor band and OKMEA All-State Orchestra. He took private lessons from Jill Johnson at Jenks High School. He plans to attend the University of Tulsa and pursue a career in music education and performance.
Barrett Hoover, tuba
Concerto for Bass Tuba, I. Prelude - Ralph Vaughan Williams
Barrett Hoover won the TYS Concerto Competition as a junior from Oklahoma Union High School and was a resident of the small town of Wann. His musical career began with piano lessons at the age of five, but found his passion of playing tuba in the sixth grade under the direction of Eric Justin Bates. Barrett received private lessons from Jon Mathew of Oolagah High School and Keith Elder of the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. Barrett was a two-time all-state band member in both small school and all school levels.
Braden Bass, trombone
Concerto for Trombone, Op. 114 - Derek Bourgeois
Braden Bass won the TYS Concerto Competition as a junior at Jenks High School and was a member of TYS from 2021-2023. Braden has been accepted in the NCDA Regional and OkMEA All-State honor bands. He plans to attend college at the University of Central Arkansas and major in music. He owes his love of music to his Wind Symphony director, Scott Hillock, and his private instructor, Dr. Shelby Kifer.