March 2008 Winner: Kristen Wall

Please welcome Kristen Wall as our March 2008 ITG Young Artist Award winner. Kristen is a senior at Century High School in Rochester, Minnesota, where she performs in the Century Symphonic Winds, the orchestra, marching band (as the section leader of 35 trumpets), and jazz band-all under the supervision of band director Levi Lundak. She also sits in with a professional jazz band called Swing Street. Her private teacher is Warren Bandel, also of Rochester, Minnesota. In his recommendation for this award, Bandel writes enthusiastically about Kristen's character. “I just can't say enough good things about her. She is what every student should be-she works hard, has fun playing the trumpet, and leads by example.”

She is a two-time Minnesota All-State member, last school year as a member of the All-State Orchestra and this year in the All-State Symphonic Band (2nd chair). She is also a member of the Southeastern Minnesota Youth Orchestra. Currently, Kristen is working hard for state solo contest, at which she will be playing the Arutunian Concerto.

Kristen is also an accomplished pianist, and puts those skills to work at her church where she accompanies the K-2 children's choir. Other church activities include teaching Sunday School and playing on the church women's volleyball team.

As conscientious with her academics as she is with her music, Kristen has been the student-of-the-month in music, math, and Spanish and is in Who's Who Among American High School Students, the National Society of High School Scholars, the National Honor Society, Outstanding Students of America, a National Merit Commended Scholar, and an AP Scholar.

At press time, Kristen has narrowed her college choices to three schools, where she intends to continue her trumpet studies but will concentrate on elementary education, international relations, and Spanish. Kristen is the daughter of proud parents David and Janet Wall.

In recognition of her outstanding talent, ITG will provide Kristen with a complimentary one-year membership. Congratulations, Kristen!