Overture Awards Program 2024

Regionals

Finals Competition and Awards Ceremony

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Aronoff Center • Jarson-Kaplan Theater

Finals Competition Order DANCE

CREATIVE WRITING

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

~Intermission~

VOCAL MUSIC

VISUAL ART

THEATER

~Intermission~

AWARDS CEREMONY ARTS EDUCATOR AWARD STUDENT AWARDS

Six Winner Awards (one in each discipline)

$3,000 each

Eighteen Finalist Awards

$1,000 each

EMCEE

Chris O'Brien & Janeen Coyle

STAGE MANAGER

Marcia Fortner

PRODUCTION TEAM

Joyce Bonomini

Ryan Dupree

Brenda Jones

Jared O’Roark

Josh Sengar

Emily Spooner

Lindsay Wielonski

The Overture Awards

The Cincinnati Arts Association’s Overture Awards recognizes, encourages, and rewards excellence in the arts among Tri-state students in grades 9-12. Its mission is to encourage arts education as an integral part of a student’s academic experience and to create an environment that encourages training in, and appreciation of, the arts. The Overture Awards Competition is the area’s largest solo arts competition and offers awards in six artistic disciplines: creative writing, dance, instrumental music, theater, visual art, and vocal music. For the 2024 competition, students may win $3,000 (one awarded in each discipline) or a $1,000 finalist award (a total of eighteen awarded). Judges at all levels of the competition are from the professional arts community.

Overture Awards Staff

Youth and School Programs/Overture Manager

President

VP, Education & Community Engagement

VP, Development

Community Programs Manager

Executive Assistant/Assistant Stage Manager

Afterschool Expand Program Director

Education Department Intern

Education & Community Engagement Coordinator

Additional CAA Staff Support

Emily Spooner

Steve Loftin

Joyce Bonomini

Sarah Miller

Ryan DuPree

Brenda Jones

Jared O’Roark

Josh Sengar

Lindsay Wielonski

Aronoff Center Operations

Finance

Marketing

Ticketing

Weston Art Gallery

Founded in 1992, the Cincinnati Arts Association (CAA) is a not-for-profit organization that oversees the programming and management of two of the Tri-state’s finest performing arts venues – the Aronoff Center for the Arts and Music Hall – and is dedicated to supporting performing and visual arts. Each year, CAA presents a diverse schedule of events; serves upwards of 700,000 people in its venues; features the work of talented local, regional, and national artists in the Weston Art Gallery (located in the Aronoff Center); and supports the work of nearly a dozen resident companies. Since the inception of its acclaimed arts education programs in 1995, CAA has reached more than two-million students and adults. For more information, visit www.cincinnatiarts.org.

FINALS COMPETITORS DANCE

In order of appearance

ISABELLA SHEARER

• Grade 12, School for Creative and Performing Arts

• Just Off Broadway

Isabella started her artistic journey at age nine, under the direction of Daryl Bjoza and Sara Swinehart at the School for Creative and Performing Arts. She has performed numerous lead roles at SCPA. Her dream is to pursue a BFA degree in college and share her talents with the world.

NORA DOYLE

• Grade 9, School for Creative and Performing Arts

• Just Off Broadway

Nora has enjoyed dancing since the age of 2½. She currently trains in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary, lyrical, and musical theatre. Nora has enjoyed performing lead roles as Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy. She has also enjoyed performing in major musicals, specifically the lead role of Amanda Thripp in Matilda. Nora hopes to continue in her love for the arts for many years to come.

ALEXANDRIA YETTER

• Grade 11, Sycamore High School

• Hairston School of Dance

Alexandria has performed in several Cincinnati Ballet Productions, most recently with the Hairston School of Dance as the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker and Lilac Fairy in Aurora Wedding. She has spent her summers studying ballet with the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, Kirov Academy, San Francisco Ballet, Ellison Ballet, and Boston Ballet and will be attending Ballet West Academy this summer on scholarship.

AUDREY ZUZIAK

• Grade 11, Dixie Heights High School

• Expressions Dance Theatre

Audrey has been dancing since the age of three. She trains at Expressions Dance Theatre in many different styles. She has won numerous awards throughout her years of performing. Audrey attended the 2023 Kentucky Governor’s Scholars for the Arts summer intensive in dance. In college, she intends to double major in nursing and dance.

FINALS COMPETITORS

CREATIVE WRITING

In order of appearance

MARGAUX FLAIG

• Grade 11, Ursuline Academy

Margaux enjoys using her imagination to capture multiple points of view and

finds that the written word is often the most effective way to convey complex ideas. She received the 2023 Montgomery Women's Club award for poetry. When she's not writing, Margaux practices the game of tennis with great zeal, sings in Ursuline Academy's A Capella Choir, and spends time with her close friends.

HAILEY HARTMAN

• Grade 12, William Mason High School

Hailey has been scribbling stories and poems for as long as she could hold a pencil. Her writing has won her six awards from the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition. Outside of poetry, she channels her love of words into public speaking and is the President of her school's Model UN team.

ANNA MATU

• Grade 12, William Mason High School

Anna is co-editor-in-chief of her school’s literary magazine and a varsity member of its academic team. Her poetry has been honored by the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, and has brought her to the Overture Awards Finals for three years running. Anna is also a painter and has most recently received a Scholastic Gold Key for her art portfolio.

LILLIAN WALTZ

• Grade 11, Indian Hill High School

Lillian is a lifelong lover of words and stories. She is an alumna of the Kenyon Young Writers' Workshop and the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have recognized her work with both Silver and Gold Keys. Her poetry can be found in The Stirling Review and Hot Pot Magazine. In addition to creative writing, she plans to pursue a career in law or journalism.

FINALS COMPETITORS

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

In order of appearance

CHRISTY KIM

• Grade 12, William Mason High School

Christy has been playing the violin since the age of six and now plans to pursue music professionally. She has won top prizes in numerous competitions, most recently the 2023 Sejong Music Competition, the 2023 Matinee Musicale Scholarship Competition, and the 2023-24 Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition. Christy has been featured on National Public Radio's From The Top radio show with host Peter Dugan.

KELIANG YAO

• Grade 11, The Seven Hills School

• University of Michigan

Keliang studies piano with professor Logan Skelton. She is the 2023-24 MTNA state winner and has performed as a soloist with the Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Orchestra. She wishes to continue her classical music study in college. In addition to competitions and recitals, Keliang performs in the community and volunteers in the hospital weekly.

GRACE KIM

• Grade 11, William Mason High School

Grace has been playing the flute for seven years and is in the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra. She was a member of the World Youth Symphony Orchestra during the Interlochen Arts Camp 2023 season and has won top prizes in competitions such as the 2023 Walgreens National Concerto Competition (Other Instrument Senior division), Jack & Lucille Wonnell Young Artist Concerto Competition, and the 2021 National Flute Association Junior Soloist Competition.

ERICA NAM

• Grade 11, Walnut Hills High School

Erica started playing the violin at three years old. She is a proud member of the Starling Chamber and Cincinnati Symphony Youth Philharmonic Orchestras. Erica appeared as a soloist with the Kentucky Symphony and Blue Ash Montgomery Symphony Orchestras. She has won top prizes in Sejong Music, Louisville Orchestra Young Artist, and New Albany Orchestra Concerto Competitions. Erica plans to pursue violin performance as her major in college.

FINALS COMPETITORS

VOCAL MUSIC

In order of appearance

ISHANVI KARTHIKEYAN

• Grade 11, Lakota West High School

Ishanvi has been learning Carnatic vocal music for over eleven years. She has performed Carnatic music at various venues and has won several regional and national music competitions. She also plays the violin and is the concertmaster of the Butler Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. In her free time, Ishanvi enjoys baking and drawing.

ELLA CLARK

• Grade 12, Dixie Heights High School

• Talia Zoll Studio of Music

Ella recently placed first in the regional Schmidt Vocal Competition and third in the 2023 Matinee Musicale competition, and is a two-time Overture Awards

finalist. She loves participating in her school's musicals, the May Festival Youth Chorus, and Dixie’s chamber choir. Ella hopes to double major in music education and vocal performance. She would like to thank her voice teacher, Talia, for the support and guidance throughout the years.

JACOB EDDINGFIELD

• Grade 12, Elder High School

• Michelle Wells Voice Studio

Jacob has studied with a private voice teacher for two years, is a four-year participant in his high school's vocal ensemble, and has competed in both OMEA (Ohio Music Education Association) and NFMC (the National Federation of Music Clubs), where he had the highest rating for two consecutive years.

EVAN STUART

• Grade 12, Highland High School

• Keen Voice Studio

Evan is overjoyed to be performing in the Overture Finals. He joined choir in eighth grade and has loved singing ever since. He hopes to attend university to pursue vocal performance this upcoming year. He would like to thank his family and teacher Ms. Keen for their encouragement.

FINALS COMPETITORS VISUAL ART

In order of appearance

ISABELLA BRINK

• Grade 12, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy

Isabella has been creating art for longer than she can remember. She has won the OAEA Award of Excellence, ArtBeat awards, and a Scholastic Gold Key. Isabella runs her own summer camp called Art in The Park, where she teaches young artists and shares her love for the arts.

RYLEE DISSINGER

• Grade 12, Oak Hills High School

Rylee has been a photographer for a little over a year now. She started off with sports photography then began her own business taking senior and family portraits. She takes AP Photography, where Mrs. Shorsh nominated her for the Overture Awards. She is also committed to Ohio University for photojournalism.

ALISHA VERMA

• Grade 12, William Mason High School

Alisha has been making art for as long as she can remember. In her work, she explores her emotions and experiences through the human form. Her artwork has been awarded several Scholastic Gold Keys. Aside from art, she loves collecting records, visiting art museums, and watching movies.

ELLEN ZHANG

• Grade 12, William Mason High School

Ellen has enjoyed creating art for over six years in many different media, including painting and sculpture. As an artist, she received a perfect score on the AP 2-D Art and Design Portfolio and a Gold Key on the Scholastics Art Portfolio. Ellen's dream is to be an installation artist. Outside of art, Ellen enjoys Chinese traditional dance, calligraphy, and reading.

FINALS COMPETITORS

THEATER

In order of appearance

TOBI AINA

• Grade 12, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy

• Musical Arts Center

Tobi has acted in several shows, such as 42nd Street (Julian Marsh), Something Rotten (Nick Bottom), and currently, Children of Eden (Japheth). In his free time, he loves playing lacrosse and saxophone, as well as filmmaking. He would like to thank his director Mrs. Susan Jung, as well as his voice teachers Mr. Sam and Mr. Karl, for pouring so much time and knowledge into him, and his family for supporting him. He dedicates this performance to God, as well as the late Mr. Lincoln Chapman, his former voice teacher for whom he cared deeply.

ARABELLA BERTUCCI

• Grade 12, Campbell County High School

Arabella has trained with CCM Prep and the Cincinnati Ballet since age five. She has performed in musical theatre throughout middle and high school. Her favorite credits include Karen in Mean Girls (CAST), Ermengarde in Hello Dolly! (The Carnegie), and Velma in Chicago (CCHS). In 2022, Arabella was selected for Kentucky's Governors School for the Arts (musical theatre). Arabella was nominated by her theatre teacher, Claire LaNicca.

ALI LEWIS

• Grade 11, Mercy McAuley High School

Ali began her theater career when she was twelve years old and has since received two Cappies for Best Comedic Actress in a Musical and Best Lead Actress in a Musical. Besides performing, she is very passionate about composing music and has written a musical called The Lost and Found that will be performed this summer at her high school, Mercy McAuley.

NATALIE HUDEPOHL

• Grade 12, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy

• Musical Arts Center

• Cincinnati Music Academy

Natalie's favorite roles include Portia in Something Rotten, Evie in Disney's Descendants, Annie in Annie, and Molly Aster in Peter and the Starcatcher. For four years, Natalie was in the Young Artist Preparatory Program for young opera singers. She was an Overture Awards Semi-Finalist in Vocal Music in 2021. Natalie plans to attend the Honors College at Clemson University and major in Nursing.

2024 OVERTURE AWARDS JUDGES

Each round of the competition—Regionals, Semi-Finals, and Finals—are adjudicated by a panel of judges who are professionals in their discipline.

CREATIVE WRITING

Chair: Elissa Yancey

Regionals: Zackary Hill, Alan Jozwiak, Aiesha Little, Billy Simms, Sherry Cook Stanforth, Susan Steinkamp

Semi-Finals: Joseph Bates, Michelle Lawrence, Rebecca Todd

Finals: Disirae Hosley, Alison Russell, Annette Januzzi Wick

DANCE

Chair: Jacqui Haas

Regionals: Jessica Harris, Joy Detherage Jovet

Semi-Finals: Christina Bolden, Tracy Bonner, David Choate

Finals: Donna Grisez, Mary Kamp, Shane Ohmer

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

Chair: Janell Eschenbrenner

Regionals: Frank Huang, Danielle Hundley, Ellen Croy Stephens, Siok Lian Tan, Elizabeth Wu

Semi-Finals: Darren Ling, Jon Sanford, Kanako Shimasaki

Finals: Pin-Hsuan Chen, Kevin Holzman, Alexander Moore

THEATER

Chair: Kate Wilford

Regionals: Beth Harris, Deondra Means, Greg Procaccino, Regina Pugh, Joshua Steele

Semi-Finals: Annie Fitzpatrick, Marvin Hawkins, Ariel Shaw

Finals: Carolyn Guido Clifford, Pat Linhart, Damon Stevens

VISUAL ART

Chair: Billy Simms

Regionals: Kip Eagen, David Knight, Deogracias Lerma, Craig Lloyd, Lindsay Nehls, Kelly Phelps, Anna Christine Sands, Paige Williams

Semi-Finals: Richard Fruth, Cathy Mayhugh, Jane Winget Sheldon

Finals: Anissa Lewis, Kate Rowekamp, Paige Wideman

VOCAL MUSIC

Chairs: Kathy Wade

Regionals: Dione Bennett, Jiana Hunter, Ebony Menefield, Danielle Steele, Jackie Stevens, Marc Weagraff

Semi-Finals: David Adams, Padma Chebrolu, Ellen Graham, Deondra Means

Finals: Padma Chebrolu, Yemi Oyediran, Jessica Rivera Shafer, Daniel Weeks

2024 OVERTURE AWARDS

SEMI-FINALISTS

CREATIVE WRITING

DANCE

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

THEATER

ARTS EDUCATOR AWARD

FOR EXCELLENCE IN ARTS INSTRUCTION

The Arts Educator Award promotes and rewards excellence in arts instruction throughout Greater Cincinnati. An educator who teaches any of the following arts disciplines may be nominated: Creative Writing, Dance, Instrumental Music, Theater, Visual Art, and Vocal Music. They can be a high school arts specialist, teaching artist working with high school students, or an arts professional or educator providing private lessons or instruction. Nominations for the award must come from students between the ages of 14-19 who are currently enrolled in high school. Nominations are made by submitting an on-line application with a three-minute video about why the nominee is an exemplary arts educator.

History of the Award

The Arts Educator Award was first introduced during the 2006-07 Season as the “Theater Educator Award,” which was originally created by Jackie Demaline, former Cincinnati Enquirer theatre critic and arts reporter, as one of the first initiatives of the Enquirer’s Acclaim Awards for Excellence in Cincinnati Theatre. With its move to the Cincinnati Arts Association’s Overture Awards program in 2015, the Theatre Educator Award has broadened its scope to become the Arts Educator Award.

ARTS EDUCATOR AWARD FINALISTS

John Ingram, Private Instructor

Discipline: Instrumental Music

Nominated by John Paul Shannon

Lincoln Chapman, Musical Arts Center (posthumous nominee)

Discipline: Vocal Music

Nominated by Alice Pooley and Sabine Huhn

Judges: Jacqui Haas, Elissa Yancey

The Arts Educator Award includes a monetary award that may be utilized to strengthen a program or practice, e.g. artist fee for guest lecturer or master class, purchase of equipment, or a professional learning opportunity, such as tuition assistance for either the educator or for students to study with the recipient or another professional.

The Overture Awards and Cincinnati Arts Association graciously thank the following for their support:

Program Sponsors

Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc.

Otto M. Budig Family Foundation

Summfair Cincinnati

TriHealth

Accent on Cincinnati

Arthur Murray – Cincinnati

Amanda Barraza

Douglas Beal

Bonita Brockert

Lane Glick

David Kapor

Jon Lawhead

Jeremy Mainous

Frank Marzullo

Diana Nguyen

Amanda Orlando

Morgan Angelique Owens

Tom Parker

Erin Rolfes

Litsa Spanos

Britton Spitler (Brock Leah Spears)

Andrea Stefano

Josh Tilford

Rostislav Toporski

Melissa Vaughn

Janeen Coyle

Chris O’Brien

J.D. Hughes

Print Sponsor

Harlan Graphics

A special thank you to all the Aronoff Center volunteers, Cincinnati Arts Association staff, and Stagehand Local 5 IATSE who make the Overture Awards possible!

The Cincinnati Arts Association is supported [in part] by the Ohio Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Ohio, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

STAY CONNECTED WITH US!

A Benefit for Cincinnati Arts Association’s Overture Awards and Arts Education Programs

A forCincinnati Ar ts Association’sO vertureAwards

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Music Hall Ballroom

To tend, unfailingly, unflinchingly, toward a goal is the secret of success.

– Anna Pavlova

The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation salutes the success of the Cincinnati Arts Association Overture Awards winners.