Performing Arts Showcase - Bravo 2026: Competition Winners in Concert

Updated 11 days ago

Established in 2001, the BRAVO! competition became part of the Fontana Chamber Arts’ outreach program in 2015 and 2016. In partnership with local arts organizations and community supporters, Fontana is thrilled to sponsor BRAVO! once again. Modeled after NPR’s From the Top, the BRAVO! Showcase Recital celebrates the talents of locally based student musicians who audition before a panel of professional musicians for a chance to perform in this free public recital.

Chapters

Welcome and Acknowledgments (00:00:19)
Tina Goer, director of outreach for Fontana Chamber Arts, welcomes the audience and thanks the many contributors and volunteers who made the event possible.

Tina Goer, as the director of outreach for Fontana Chamber Arts, opens the event with a warm welcome to the audience. She expresses her gratitude to the families, friends, teachers, collaborative partners, and volunteers who have supported the event both on and off stage. Tina highlights the contributions of Fontana interns, committee and board members, and the Bravo Consortium, who have made the evening possible. She also acknowledges the judges and their challenging role in the event.
Judges and Improvisation Workshop (00:01:14)
Tina thanks the judges and discusses the improvisation workshop led by Tara Sma, which helped students develop public speaking and self-confidence.

Tina Goer continues by thanking the judges, including Mary Postman, Laurie Marshall, and John Barno, for their discerning judgments and passion for music education. She then talks about the improvisation workshop conducted by Tara Sma at the Crawlspace Theater. The workshop provided students with important skills in public speaking, stage presence, and self-confidence, and Tina conveys Tara's appreciation for the students' respectfulness and enthusiasm.
Bravo's Legacy and Reception Invitation (00:02:24)
The legacy of Bravo founders is honored, and the audience is invited to a reception to connect with students and families.

Tina Goer reflects on the origins of Bravo, imagined by influential music teachers Joel Christian and Phyllis Rapor. She emphasizes that their legacy lives on through Bravo and the students they inspired. Tina expresses her gratitude for their contributions and suggests that they would deserve an MVP award. She invites the audience to a reception in the atrium following the performance, providing an opportunity to connect with the students and their families.
Introduction of Host Har Laurenz (00:03:15)
Tina introduces Har Laurenz, the host from WMU, to lead the next segment of the event.

Tina Goer concludes her introduction by bringing Har Laurenz from WMU to the stage. Har is welcomed warmly as he takes over to host the next part of the event, continuing the evening's musical journey.
Har Laurenz's Opening Remarks (00:03:36)
Har Laurenz discusses his role at WMU and the importance of music in making better people.

Har Laurenz, in his opening remarks, shares his role at WMU, where he meets hundreds of guests each year to discuss music performance and preparation. He stresses the joy and culmination of musical processes and notes the importance of teaching and parenting in supporting young musicians. Har believes that studying music contributes to creating better people in the world.
First Performance by Jayden Paul Moore and Canice Lucin (00:04:08)
Jayden Paul Moore and Canice Lucin perform a piece by Francis Plen, showcasing their musical talent.

Jayden Paul Moore and Canice Lucin take the stage to perform a piece by Francis Plen. Their performance is a highlight of the event, demonstrating their musical skills and the culmination of their hard work in preparation for the evening. The audience appreciates the performance, and Har Laurenz engages with them afterward.
Discussion with Jayden Paul Moore (00:15:00)
Har Laurenz discusses the performance with Jayden, exploring the emotions and nuances in the piece.

Following the performance, Har Laurenz discusses with Jayden Paul Moore the emotions and narrative within the music they just played. They explore the contrasting moments of cheer and melancholy in the piece, highlighting Jayden's interpretation and the depth of the music.
Terry Swm's Violin Performance (00:17:21)
Terry Swm performs on the violin, showcasing his award-winning composition skills and musical prowess.

Terry Swm, a talented violinist and composer, performs on the violin. He is recognized for his composition skills, having won first prize in a local competition. His performance captivates the audience, and Har Laurenz later engages with Terry to discuss his experience and insights.
Interview with Terry Swm (00:26:45)
Har Laurenz interviews Terry Swm about his musical background and the challenges of performing complex pieces.

Har Laurenz interviews Terry Swm, discussing his background in music and his approach to performing complex violin pieces. They talk about Terry's early experiences with music, his compositional influences, and how his skills have developed over time. Terry shares insights into the challenges of memorization and performance.
Horn Performance by Seth and Beverly (00:28:03)
Seth performs a horn piece by Franz Strauss with pianist Beverly, followed by a discussion on Franz Strauss's influence.

Seth, accompanied by pianist Beverly, performs a piece by Franz Strauss. The performance highlights the intricate sounds and techniques of the horn. Following the performance, Har Laurenz and Seth discuss Franz Strauss's influence in the music world and Seth's journey with the horn.
Conversation with Seth (00:39:41)
Har Laurenz talks with Seth about his horn playing experience and his upcoming summer plans involving music.

In a conversation with Seth, Har Laurenz delves into Seth's experience as a horn player, discussing his early days learning the instrument and the passion he has for music. They talk about Seth's upcoming participation in an all-state orchestra event and his excitement for a music-filled summer.
Piano Solo by Raymond Zoo (00:40:47)
Raymond Zoo, the youngest winner of the Bravo auditions, performs a piano solo with music by Claude Debussy.

Raymond Zoo, a young and talented pianist, performs a solo with music by Claude Debussy. As the youngest winner of the Bravo auditions, his performance is impressive and demonstrates his skill and dedication to music. The audience is captivated by his interpretation and technique.
Interview with Raymond Zoo (00:50:08)
Har Laurenz interviews Raymond Zoo about his experience with piano and his aspirations in music.

After his performance, Har Laurenz interviews Raymond Zoo, discussing his experience with the piano and his future aspirations in music. Raymond shares his love for both piano and oboe, his practice routines, and his admiration for his sisters and other musicians. He talks about his plans for attending the Gilmore Piano Festival.
Clarinet and Piano Duet by Evelyn Jerma and Isaac Sandlin (00:52:55)
Evelyn Jerma and Isaac Sandlin perform a clarinet and piano duet by Joseph Horovitz, showcasing their musical chemistry.

Evelyn Jerma and Isaac Sandlin perform a duet for clarinet and piano composed by Joseph Horovitz. Their performance is characterized by a strong musical chemistry and an engaging interpretation of the piece. The duo's collaboration and the modern elements of the music shine through in their rendition.

PMN Performing Arts Showcase (6 Episodes)

Updated 11 days ago