Gregory McDaniel HOUSTON- From pipe organ contests to conducting competitions, Moores School of Music students have shown off their skills this spring, earning top rankings in several competitions.
Gregory McDaniel earned top honors in the American Choral Directors Association National Undergraduate Conducting Competition in Oklahoma City. Daryl Robinson won first place and Jose Reyes Ortiz earned second place in the William Hall Pipe Organ Competition in San Antonio. At the Young Texas Artist Music Competition in Conroe, Texas, Desiree Alejandro finished first in the overall competition and violinist Natalie Lin was the top musician in the string division.
The conducting competition attracted 160 applicants, each of whom was rated on their conducting gestures and rehearsal techniques. McDaniel, a senior music education major, earned the top prize in the undergraduate category, which came with $500 and a Mollard conducting baton.
The William Hall Pipe Organ Contest has long attracted the best student organists in the state. Robinson and Ortiz, both junior performance majors, brought in top honors, with Robinson earning $900 for first place and Ortiz receiving $500 for second place.
In Conroe, Alejandro and Lin brought back victories at the 25th Annual Texas Young Artist Music Competition. Alejandro, a graduate vocal performance student, received the contest’s grand prize. Lin earned top rankings in the string division.
“Competitions such as this help students build on their talents,” said Ortiz, who came to UH from Mexico after learning of the Moores School of Music’s reputation. “They also are effective in measuring our skills and progress. This experience was an invitation to take on and overcome new challenges. I was proud to represent the University of Houston and my home country.”