"Shining Stars" concert being held at Southeastern | Arts & Culture

Award-winning students of Southeastern Louisiana University’s Community Music School (CMS) will shine in a special concert Nov. 22.
        The concert, “Shining Stars,” is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Pottle Music Building Auditorium. Admission is free.
        The concert features students who are recipients of First Guaranty Bank CMS scholarships, as well as students who have won awards at different competitions during the 2010- 2011 academic year.
        The young musicians will perform as soloists with members of the Southeastern Chamber Orchestra conducted by Music Professor Yakov Voldman.
        “I would like to express my gratitude to First Guaranty Bank for their generosity, giving CMS the opportunity to reward these students who have shown a true dedication to their music studies and who continue to make us proud with their accomplishments,” said Jivka Jeleva, director of the Community Music School. “They represent the future generation of young musicians, and I look forward to seeing all of them become professional musicians one day.”
        Students participating in the concert include: violinists Catherine Craighead, Mandeville, String Rally medal recipient; Ashley Johansen, Madisonville, String Rally first place winner and First Guaranty Bank Scholarship recipient; Umika Kuroda, Mandeville, GNOYO concerto competition winner and First Guaranty Bank Scholarship recipient; Elise Strain, Slidell, String Rally second place winner; Griffin Wiemelt, Mandeville, String Rally first place winner and First Guaranty Bank Scholarship recipient; and Riley Wiemelt, Mandeville, String Rally Outstanding Musician award and First Guaranty Bank Scholarship recipient.
        Also playing in the concert are violists Catherine Cerise, Metairie, String Rally first place winner and Outstanding Musician Award; Lillian Cerise, Metairie, String Rally second place winner; pianists Jack Bevolo, Mandevile, First Guaranty Bank Scholarship recipient; and Elizabeth Weathersby, Hammond, Piano Rally first place winner and First Guaranty Bank Scholarship recipient.
        Founded in 1996, Southeastern’s Community Music School offers children and adults private and group music lessons taught by Southeastern faculty members, graduate students and community professionals. 
        For more information, visit: www.southeasterrn.edu/cms or call 985-549-5502.