Student winners of 2020 NSU Young Artist Competition

ABERDEEN, S.D. – At Northern State University’s Friends of the Arts/NSU Young Artist Competition, 19 talented high school juniors and seniors from South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota performed for NSU faculty judging panels throughout the event on Jan. 11.

The event, held in Johnson Fine Arts Center, offered awards with a total of $7,000 in cash prizes, including $1,000 for first-place winners of each category, $500 for second-place winners, and $250 for third-place winners.

“It was an outstanding day of performances by so many well-prepared, talented and serious music students,” said Dr. Kenneth Boulton, Dean of the School of Fine Arts. “This is one of several initiatives the faculty have implemented to raise the impact of our program throughout the state and region.”

The event was capped with an awards ceremony followed by solo performances by the top prize winners from each instrumental and vocal category.  Listed below are all prize recipients from the competition:

String Category

  • First Prize: WangSan Lester, cello (O'Gorman High School)
  • Second Prize: Christopher Kappenman, double bass (Aberdeen Central High School)
  • Third Prize:  Sarah Hayden, cello (Aberdeen Central High School)

Piano Category

  • First Prize: Daniel Wintch (Valley City High School)
  • Second Prize: Rebecca Kelley (Vermillion)
  • Third Prize: Heidi Gonzalez (Burke High School)

Woodwinds/Brass/Percussion Category

  • First Prize: Gabe Van Wassenhove, euphonium (O’Gorman High School)
  • Second Prize: Allyson Strong, flute (Mitchell Christian High School)
  • Third Prize: Mariah Koenig, alto saxophone (Chamberlain High School)

Vocal Category

  • First Prize: Cadin Kallenberger, baritone (Leola High School)
  • Second Prize: Bryn Mongeau, mezzo-soprano (Hills Beaver Creek High School)
  • Third Prize: Sarah Carr, soprano (Yankton High School)

About Northern State University

Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $55 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions. 

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