Gary Mortenson, reporter

James Stokes chaired the 2006 Orchestral Excerpt Competition. Preliminary judges for this year's event were James Underwood, Jeff Korak, and Thomas Battenberg. The judges for the finals were Robert Early, Frank Kaderabek, and Garth Greenup. Four students performed the following excerpts in the finals: The offstage call from Leonore #3 by Beethoven, the offstage call and the muted fanfares from Pines of Rome by Respighi, The ballerina solo from Petroushka by Stravinsky, the trumpet 2 part from the “Prelude” of Carmen by Bizet, and the ending from Concerto for Orchestra by Bartok.

The first finalist was Jairo Vega Rodriguez a student of Jeremy Brekke at Loyola University in New Orleans. Jairo performed the Beethoven, Stravinsky, muted Respighi, and Bartok passages with precision, speed, and a centered tone. His low register work in the Bizet may have reflected the early morning hour, as it was just a bit tight. The offstage Respighi call, while rhythmically accurate was also slightly forced. Rodriguez did a fine job on all of the excerpts and appeared to get stronger as he went through the excerpts. Rodriguez was the only contestant to sit down during the competition.

Kevin Gebo studies with Jens Lindemann at UCLA. Gebo's strength was a beautifully centered tone quality that manifested itself in the lyrical excerpts (especially the singing quality and fullness of sound he attained in the Bizet). His Petroushka was accurate, even, and flowed exceptionally well. Gebo was secure and accurate in the muted Respighi and Bartok excerpts playing with an equal measure of power and accuracy.

Another Lindemann student, Adam Bhatia, was the next to perform. Bhatia had a big sound all the way through. His Beethoven was perhaps the most “military” sounding of the four finalists. Bhatia's sense of time on the offstage Respighi was slightly uneven, and the Stravinsky needed a little more attention to a steady flow. His best playing, really accurate and precise, was on the final excerpt from the Bartok.

The final contestant, Matthew James Shefcik, is a student of Bruce Briney at Western Illinois University. Shefick's approach to the Beethoven was the least detached of the four. His offstage Respighi was in good time right through the last note. Shefcik struggled with accuracy on the Stravinsky and Bartok.

All four finalists will, no doubt, use the experience gained from the intense nature of this competition to help them move forward in the development of their musicality and mental toughness as they prepare for the rigors required to succeed in the orchestral profession. James Stokes is to be commended for the work he did in the organization and execution of the competition.

Judges: Robert Early, Frank Kaderabek, and Garth Greenup