The Cherokee Symphony Student Soloist Showcase will take place on Sunday, April 27, in the upper level of the Cherokee Community Center. Admission is $15, with students admitted free of charge. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the region's finest young musical talent as they perform with the Cherokee Symphony in its 69th season.
Madeline Bean, a dedicated violinist, currently studies with Melissa Pruss, first violinist for the Omaha Symphony, and Ahra Cho, Associate Concertmaster of the Omaha Symphony. She also performs with Anne Nagosky’s Wild Primrose Fiddle Band. Madeline served as Concertmaster of the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra Symphony this past fall under the direction of Dr. Matthew Brooks. She has performed at the Holland Performing Arts Center with the Piano Guys and in the Celtic Journey concert on St. Patrick’s Day. This marks Madeline’s return to Cherokee, where she first performed in eighth grade.
Ryan Dong, a 17-year-old violinist from Omaha, Neb., has been playing since fourth grade and studies with Melissa Pruss. Currently a junior in high school, Ryan has been accepted to the NMEA Nebraska All-State Orchestra three times (2022-2024), becoming third chair violin twice. Beyond music, Ryan pursues various interests including origami, chess and competition math.
Vincent Koelling, a freshman at the University of Nebraska majoring in PGA Golf Management, began piano studies at age four with Dr. Kathryn March. This versatile musician has also been recognized as a percussionist and violinist. Vincent served as concertmaster of the Sioux City Youth Orchestra for three years and has been a soloist at Morningside University. He studies piano with Lina Maria Marin at UNL and has won awards at several competitions performing works by Gershwin, Beethoven, Shostakovich, Chopin and Rachmaninoff. This is Vincent’s second performance as a soloist with the Cherokee Symphony.
Auspy Li, a 15-year-old student at Millard North High School in Omaha, has studied violin for over 10 years and currently studies with Olga Smola. His accomplishments include winning the 2020 Orchestra Omaha Young Artists Competition Junior Division, Merit Prize of OPUS National Music Competition and first place in the Omaha Music Teachers Association Young Artist Competition. Auspy has performed as a guest violin soloist with Orchestra Omaha and has been selected for the Nebraska All-State orchestras at both middle and high school levels.
Benjamin Ploegstra from Sioux Center is a cellist with nearly nine years of study under Gary Vanderhart. A junior at Unity Christian High School, Ben has participated in the Northwest Iowa Honor Orchestra for six years, various State Honors Orchestras for three years, and the Iowa All-State Music Festival for two years after being selected as an alternate in his freshman year. He is in his third season with the Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra.
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