Paulino Contreras Wins Louis Vyner Award in Performance at Millersville University

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Vyner Award Winner, Contreras, Performing

MILLERSVILLE, PA (03/01/2011)(readMedia)-- Millersville University of Pennsylvania announced the winner of this year's Louis Vyner Award in Performance, Paulino Contreras, of New Oxford, Pa. Millersville musicians competed in the auditions for the Vyner Award for an opportunity to perform with a music ensemble at the University.

Contreras, a junior, music education major, with a focus in piano performance, performed piano solos, J. S. Bach's "Tocatta and Fugue in E minor," and F. Liszt's "Paganini Etude, 'La Campanella,'" for the competition.

First-round auditions were held Feb. 4, resulting in five finalists: Amy Chapman, Paulino Contreras, Brett Jarvis, Katelyn Smith and Lindsey Stauffer. The finals were held Feb. 18 at Millersville University-Lancaster, 42 N. Prince St., where Contreras had his successful performance.

Contreras will receive the annual income from the fund established in 1980, in the form of a cash award, and a public performance during his senior year with recognition as the Louis Vyner Performance Award winner.

"Winning this competition has enlightened me to two powerful emotions a person can experience, both of which cannot be expressed with only a single word," said Contreras. "The first is the feeling of seeing countless hours of hard work come to fruition. I have been training in piano since childhood and to finally see those hours of practice pay off is such an incredible feeling and makes it more than worth it. The second great feeling is the connection you have with an audience when sharing your passion."

The Louis Vyner Award in Performance honors the late founder and conductor of the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra. It recognizes a student's excellence in performance, including conducting, which is judged by faculty. All applicants must have a 3.0 QPA in music courses and must have reached junior status in the University as a degree candidate in music by the date of the audition.

The performance may take the form of a solo recital, solo or conducting appearance with one of the large University performing organizations, or otherwise as approved by the major performance teacher and the department chairperson.

The audition requires a maximum 20 minutes of performing time and two works of contrasting styles for performers. Conductors prepare one work in advance with an ensemble assembled by the conducting applicant; a second work is chosen by the faculty.

"I put my heart and soul into every performance and the ultimate goal is to have the listener take a glimpse into who I am and be moved by it. All of this needs to be accomplished through music, without saying a single word. Hopefully, winning this competition is only the beginning."

Millersville University of Pennsylvania is a top-ranked, public university located in the northeast region of the United States. It is committed to offering students a high quality, comprehensive university experience of exceptional value. Dedicated to providing nationally recognized programs that embrace the liberal arts, Millersville offers academic opportunities that are supported by outstanding faculty who are accomplished scholars and practitioners. Founded in 1855 as the first Normal School in Pennsylvania, Millersville University is one of 14 universities within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.