Eric Black of Park View High School in South Hill, Virginia performed with the United States Army Field Band as the winner of the Young Artist Competition. Joined by NAfME past president, Barbara Geer, Mr. Black takes a moment to speak about the opportunity and the importance of music education.
Black was selected as the winner of the U.S. Army All-American Young Artist Competition on April 27. He was amongst three finalists selected to perform in front of The United States Army Field Band panel. Although all three contestants presented a high level of musical ability, Black’s performance stood out from his peers.
“We thought Eric would be an excellent winner this year. He blew us away with his musicality,” said Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Kanowith, Young Artist Competition coordinator. “In addition to performing his piece from memory, he had a beautiful warm sound, clear musical ideas, and presented himself in a way that we would be proud to put in front of our stage.”
The Young Artist Competition was started five years ago by the Army Field Band as a way to highlight and feature extremely talented young musicians. Each fall the competition is advertised through a variety of networks that reach high school music students. Juniors then have a chance to submit an application and recording to be reviewed by Army Field Band senior leaders.
(Posted with permission from the United States Army Field Band)
