Classical Kid Judging

Age: 13

Instrument: Violin

Nominee Responses

Tell us about your musical activities: what instrument(s) you play, for how long, any ensembles you perform with, etc.

I started playing violin when I was three years old. I still play violin, and also play piano, both with private lessons, and I also play the mandolin and viola some as well. This is my fourth year playing in the Frontier Strings ensemble with the Omaha Conservatory of Music. I also was in the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra Philharmonic for my 6th and 7th grade year, and this year (8th grade) was invited to join the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra Symphony, which started last week. I have also participated in Chamber groups through the Omaha Conservatory of music for many years (though I have not had time for chamber groups the last couple years).

What is your favorite thing about playing your instrument and making music?

It brings me a sense of accomplishment and also a sense of grounding. I enjoy working on a piece and playing it after so much practice and hard work. I also enjoy watching people respond to how I play my music. It’s a gift that I’ve been given that I get to give away to others.

Tell us about your most memorable musical experience.

An EF4 tornado hit our house on April 26, 2024 (we were home during the tornado). I had a significant practice streak going at that point – my goal was to make it to 1000 days in a row (it will be 1000 days in a row of practicing my violin on September 27). That evening, we got to my grandparent’s house because ours was unlivable and we needed somewhere to go, and I realized I had not practiced that day yet. I got my violin out at 11:30 that evening, just a few minutes after we got to my grandparents, and I remember saying “I’m not going to let a tornado ruin my practice streak!”, and I got it out and played. And, it gave me a sense of peace and an outlet I very much needed that night after such a traumatic event.

Tell us about your other non-musical activities, including athletics, hobbies, etc.

I love tennis and play regularly, I go to Bible Study every week and do my own devotions every morning, I also participate in trap shooting leagues regularly. I am often asked to have potential new students shadow me at school and participate on welcome teams and ambassador groups at school. I like to play some video games, love to go tubing behind our boat in the summer, enjoy hiking (especially in Zion National Park), love snorkeling and any free diving, and I also sometimes go to the Jitterbug club to dance with some friends. I am also very close with my cousins and my extended family. I have a lot of blessings.

Why do you listen to Classical 90.7 KVNO?

Classical music is so calming and it helps me to focus, especially when I’m trying hard to concentrate on school work.

Sponsor Responses

Please explain why music is important to your nominee.

I knew when this student was a baby that music was in their blood. It was sometimes the only thing that would calm them. As a baby, I put them in Kindermusik – which from a music perspective, they loved. But, they are also very extroverted, and being around other kids who also were pounding away on things to make music together was energizing to them. As soon as I could sign them up for Violin lessons, I did. They thrive because they have music in his life. And, not only because of the music, but also because of the friends and the community they have made by being involved in music.

Tell us about your nominee’s musical activities.

The student has such high expectations and also loves to be with others – so they have the best of both by having the blessing of private lessons and also by being able to share their gift with others in groups as well. They have developed into a strong leader in the Frontier Strings violin ensemble and were invited into the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra Symphony this year as an eighth grader, which is not normally allowed. The student also has a love for piano, and also takes private piano lessons. They play in orchestra at school, and show strong leadership there as well. They play for retirement homes, in churches, participate in music immersion summer camps, and really is always listening as much as they are able.

Briefly describe the special qualities that make your nominee a “Classical Kid.”

The student is resilient and has more tenacity than most adults. On September 27, 2025, they will have reached his goal of practicing 1000 days in a row. They have brought their violin on vacation with us, on airplanes, has played it on beaches, has played when they aren’t feeling well, and even when a tornado hit and caused so much damage to our house that we couldn’t live in it while it was rebuilt, which took over a year. Not only that, but they also have inspired his younger cousin to play the violin as well, not just by example, but also by encouraging him, teaching him, and celebrating him. The student is joyful, a strong leader, a humble musician who loves to encourage others, and also just so much fun to be around. They are a magnet to those around them. They thrive when learning new pieces, learning new techniques, learning new composers. And, even though they are often challenged, they always persevere and come out so much stronger on the other side.

Piece: Mozart Violin Concerto in G

Student #1 Judging Form

Age: 11

Instrument: Piano

Nominee Responses

Tell us about your musical activities: what instrument(s) you play, for how long, any ensembles you perform with, etc.

I have been playing piano for five years and I have not performed as a part of an ensemble.

What is your favorite thing about playing your instrument and making music?

My favorite thing is that I can express how I feel at the moment and certain music makes me feel certain emotions.

Tell us about your most memorable musical experience.

My first piano recital in a coffee shop when I was eight years old.

Tell us about your other non-musical activities, including athletics, hobbies, etc.

I play soccer and I enjoy playing chess. I also enjoy math and drawing.

Why do you listen to Classical 90.7 KVNO?

I enjoy listening to classical music because it can sound calming yet you still understand and hear how complicated it is to be able to play them well.

Sponsor Responses

Please explain why music is important to your nominee.

Music is important to the student because it has helped them apply the skills that they have learned in lessons to other areas of their life. The student strives to grow and learn more; they are continuously fascinated with all the tiny details that go into pieces.

Tell us about your nominee’s musical activities.

The student has weekly piano lessons, where we work on theory, technique, and learning music across different repertoires.

Briefly describe the special qualities that make your nominee a “Classical Kid.”

Being able to adapt to different situations and concepts on the fly can be a hard thing to do especially as a young piano student when you have a lot of things to be focused on. This student has the ability to apply their imaginative concepts into their playing–it’s been amazing to see and hear how far they have come and to know that they will continue blossoming into the musician that they’re meant to be is something that makes me proud.

Piece:

Student #2 Judging Form

Age: 10

Instrument: Piano

Nominee Responses

Tell us about your musical activities: what instrument(s) you play, for how long, any ensembles you perform with, etc.

I play the piano. I got interested in piano at the age of 4. I’ve done talent shows at school and played at church.

What is your favorite thing about playing your instrument and making music?

I got an interest in piano because I enjoy how it sounds and I am fascinated by how it works. I like making music because I like music and enjoy listening to it.

Tell us about your most memorable musical experience.

Playing for the church because it was a fun experience. I felt like I was playing to God and honoring him. My whole family was there to watch.

Tell us about your other non-musical activities, including athletics, hobbies, etc.

I also enjoy playing soccer, video games, and swimming.

Why do you listen to Classical 90.7 KVNO?

Because I like classical music. I also loved listening to The Ride of the Valkyrie before going to school.

Sponsor Responses

Please explain why music is important to your nominee.

Music helps the student stay calm, focused, and confident in their daily activities. Through music, they have learned valuable life lessons—how to overcome challenges, stay disciplined in their studies, and persevere in order to succeed in mastering each piece they play.

Tell us about your nominee’s musical activities.

The student’s interest in the piano began at age four when their godmother first introduced them to the instrument. They gently played the keys at her home and was instantly captivated by the sounds they created. That very night, they shared their desire to learn the piano, and their passion for music has only grown since. They embrace every challenge that comes with playing, from formal performances to talent shows, and consistently seeks opportunities to share their love of music with others.

Briefly describe the special qualities that make your nominee a “Classical Kid.”

The student has a natural talent that is difficult to put into words. Every new piece challenges them, but through hard work and determination, they always succeed. Since neither their father nor I are musically inclined, their ability to learn and grow through their own dedication—along with guidance from their teachers—has been especially inspiring to watch. What makes them even more special is how they take time to teach and encourage their 7-year-old brother, who has also begun learning piano.

Piece: Snowfall

Student #3 Judging Form

Age: 13

Instrument: Violin

Nominee Responses

Tell us about your musical activities: what instrument(s) you play, for how long, any ensembles you perform with, etc.

I play the violin, and I’ve played for about 7 years since I was at the age of five. As the concertmaster of the Chamber and Grade orchestra at Russell Middle School, I like to perform with our team and help each other grow. I am also in the school’s show choir band, or showband as the violinist. I was selected participant in all-state Middle School orchestra two consecutive years (2024 and 2025). I have won three violin competitions through hard work and effort, and I am waiting for results in the most recent MTNA Junior Division competition. I also enjoy making LoFi music as a hobby, and in the future, I would like to make more types of music, like a composer.

What is your favorite thing about playing your instrument and making music?

My favorite thing about playing my instrument is that I always have room to improve and get better at each piece. From there, I can fix what I haven’t done before. Secondly, when I play, I can truly feel what the composer really wanted the piece to sound like, or how they could have expressed themselves. When I make music, I feel like I am sharing my thoughts with a lot of people and showing the true colors of who I am.

Tell us about your most memorable musical experience.

My most memorable music experience would be winning my first violin competition, the 2025 Young Artist Competition Junior String Division in February this year. As the winner reward, I earned an opportunity to perform with the Omaha Community Orchestra to the public in April. The orchestra has supported me the whole way through, and they have helped me build my confidence. This experience has shaped how I play my violin every day.

Tell us about your other non-musical activities, including athletics, hobbies, etc.

In addition to musical activity, I play soccer for the Gretna Elite Club Regional League ECRL, and I was in the swimming team, Millard Athletic Club (MAC). In winter, I enjoy snowboarding. For my school, I am in the Athletic Leadership Team, the cross-country team, and the MATHCOUNTS team.

Why do you listen to Classical 90.7 KVNO?

I listen to KVNO because my parents constantly turned it on the radio, and soon it became very overwhelming for me. However, as time went by, I found to appreciate the music that I had been listening to daily. Now, whenever I have the chance, I listen to 90.7 as much as I can. I especially like the music that changes every season, and music from movies and famous shows. And instead of choosing only classical pieces, or avoiding the ones I don’t like, I enjoy simply listening to the music and discovering new music. Sometimes, a piece I barely know becomes one of my favorites.

Sponsor Responses

Please explain why music is important to your nominee.

Music holds a defining place in this nominee’s life, providing a refined and purposeful means of expressing their energy, dedication, and inner motivation. It serves not merely as a source of enjoyment, but as an ongoing catalyst for personal growth—cultivating discipline, artistic maturity, and an elevated capacity for emotional expression. Through sustained engagement with music, they have developed resilience, creativity, and an ability to communicate with depth and intention. In their role as the concertmaster of their school orchestra, this connection to music has translated into a distinctive and steady form of leadership. They guide their peers with clarity, poise, and a collaborative spirit. They genuinely believe that music possesses a singular ability to unify individuals—bringing them together, even if only momentarily, as one cohesive team aligned around a shared artistic purpose.

Tell us about your nominee’s musical activities.

This nominee is an accomplished violinist who has actively participated in a wide range of musical activities, including ensemble, orchestra, show band, and solo competitions. As a solo performer, they have earned numerous accolades, including the 2025 Young Artist Competition Junior String Division Winner, a performance with the Omaha Community Orchestra, the 2025 NEASTA State Solo Competition Senior Division Winner, and the 2025 MTNA State Solo Competition Junior Division Winner. They have also submitted a video for the MTNA Division Competition and is currently awaiting the final results.

They currently serve as concertmaster for both the Grade Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra at Russell Middle School and have been selected as a violin member of the All-State Middle School Orchestra for two consecutive years (2024 and 2025). Previously, they participated in the SoundWaves Orchestra Concert ensembles at the Omaha Conservatory of Music and performed with the Omaha Area Youth Orchestras’ Youth Concert String and Youth Philharmonic.

Since 2023, they have been an active violinist in his school show band, engaging in music tours to local elementary schools as part of both the orchestra and show band volunteer activities. The nominee is regularly attends Omaha Symphony Orchestra concerts to learn more about how other violinists and orchestra perform. Through these achievements, they exemplify not only technical mastery and versatility but also a passion for collaboration, mentorship, and bringing the joy of music to others.

Briefly describe the special qualities that make your nominee a “Classical Kid.”

What makes them a “Classical Kid” goes beyond their talent—it’s their curiosity, imagination, and the way they inspire those around them. They approach every piece with excitement, listen attentively to fellow musicians, and perform with expression that moves both audiences and peers. Their musical philosophy is the power of music to bring people together through leadership, collaboration, and encouragement; they foster connection, joy, and a shared love of music in everyone they reach.

Piece: Bruch Violin Concerto, 3rd Movement

Student #4 Judging Form

Age: 13

Instrument: Violin

Nominee Responses

Tell us about your musical activities: what instrument(s) you play, for how long, any ensembles you perform with, etc.

I’ve been playing violin for around ten years. I went through the String Sprouts program at Omaha Conservatory of Music. I play in Frontier Strings, a chamber group at OCM, and have played in orchestras and quartets there. I also played in OAYO for four years. I have played at Omaha Chinese Christian Church, Crosspoint Church (every Wednesday night), and Kingsway Christian Church. I have played at several nursing homes, too. I like to play Irish jigs or Christmas music with my family, too. I have a hobby of composing music of my own, specifically duets. I also play a little bit of piano and ukulele.

What is your favorite thing about playing your instrument and making music?

My favorite thing about writing music is hearing the final product after I put work into it. If there’s more than one instrument in the arrangement, hearing the sound work together is amazing to my ears.

When I play violin, I love the sound of music around me, and a feeling of accomplishment once I master it. My favorite thing about playing violin is the feeling itself– of my fingers changing to make music, hitting high notes, and listening to my violin.

I can play music that corresponds to how I feel. If I feel sad, I play sad music and it lets me fully experience the emotion before moving on. I think it even helps me feel the next emotion.

Tell us about your most memorable musical experience.

My most memorable music experience is when I was a winner in the composition competition of the Omaha Conservatory of Music in 2020. Four Omaha Symphony members played an arrangement of my piece, titled “Playful Foxes.”

It is a light and flittering piece. The way they played the piece was really amazing! The arrangement kept the structure and style, but it was slower than I anticipated. The instruments harmonized beautifully, and my melody was adapted for the other instruments within the arrangement. There was almost another melody in there, a counterpoint that I hadn’t expected. It both excited and inspired me.

When I listened to them play my composition, I felt proud of my musical skills, and had more desire to improve them.

Tell us about your other non-musical activities, including athletics, hobbies, etc.

Besides listening to, writing, and playing music, I enjoy reading fictitious adventure novels, mysteries, and biographies.

I love writing poems and stories. Common themes are natural features, biography, and music.

I create jewelry to sell; Ash Grove Jewelry (not the cement company in Louisville). The prices are very reasonable.

I also enjoy sketching faces, and painting, using watercolors, etc.

I love baking decorative desserts, so family members always let me know when somebody’s birthday is coming up.

I also enjoy ice skating, and I play soccer in the spring.

Why do you listen to Classical 90.7 KVNO?

Listening to KVNO calms me down, and I listen to it sometimes while studying or while we are in the car.

Classical music makes me feel different emotions in specific pieces. It helps me focus and emotionally prepares me for classes I take; it also encourages me to accomplish more.

We can always listen to music online, but the selections and the hosts make it feel more like live performance.

While listening to KVNO, my family and I also try to guess the melody, the instruments being played, the composer, the time period, etc.

Sponsor Responses

Please explain why music is important to your nominee.

The student spends a large portion of their day doing music. What began as an interesting extra-curricular activity has become a driving force of passion and discipline in their life. It gives them a sense of pride and a way to contribute to church and audiences of different kinds. It is now also part of their identity. Music is now a method of interacting with other people, not just an occasion for it.

Tell us about your nominee’s musical activities.

The violin is their instrument, but they are modest about their ability to sing and their ability to play the piano like their younger brother.

They like to play K-Pop songs on the ukulele.
They compose a little, and they track their musical ideas.
They participate in Frontier Strings violin ensemble. They participate in another ensemble with OCM as well.
At home we play Irish dance music; while not classical, they have a good ear for it and hear it a lot at home.
They also play at church, but would like to be more “instrumental” in doing so. At another church, they play for the youth group every Wednesday night.

Briefly describe the special qualities that make your nominee a “Classical Kid.”

They are “classical” in their devotion to the discipline of practicing the skills that lay the foundation for the most technically demanding music, stretching their limits and the limits of the music. (Scales, arpeggios, etudes)

To be honest, the student spends a lot of time on music for themselves, but they also spend a lot of time helping their two younger brothers with their practicing. They wouldn’t announce it from a rooftop, but their father and I are very proud of their diligence, compassion, and humility.

They do study fiddle music of various genres, but it is the classical music that gives them the musical grammar and vocabulary to create whatever poetry they wish, whether folk, rock, or anything else. They are stretching the limits of their mind and their fingers, so that their heart won’t be limited.

Piece: Polish Dance

Student #5 Judging Form

Age: 10

Instrument: Trumpet, piano, guitar, recorder and choir

Nominee Responses

Tell us about your musical activities: what instrument(s) you play, for how long, any ensembles you perform with, etc.

I started learning the trumpet in August. Last year, I played the cello for my school orchestra. I am taking guitar lessons and teaching myself the piano. I learned the recorder at school and had a recorder solo in my school’s choir performance. I have been a member of my school’s choir for three years and have had two voice solos. I was nominated by my music teacher to perform in the Orff Schulwerk Honors Ensemble for Millard Public Schools. That starts in January and we perform in March.

What is your favorite thing about playing your instrument and making music?

My favorite part about learning my instruments is learning new pieces and I feel really proud of myself for learning it. I like figuring out music by ear, too.

Tell us about your most memorable musical experience.

My most memorable musical experience is when I performed in my first orchestra concert at school. I was really nervous but I knew I was ready. I felt proud after the performance because everyone said we sounded great.

Tell us about your other non-musical activities, including athletics, hobbies, etc.

I play club soccer for Sporting Nebraska and I love all sports. I went to State last year for the punt, pass, and kick competition. I also love to draw, make comic books, create fictional characters, and solve Rubiks cubes.

Why do you listen to Classical 90.7 KVNO?

Sponsor Responses

Please explain why music is important to your nominee.

Over the past two years, the student has really developed a passion for music. From the moment they wake up, they are playing one of their instruments and often make their way through all instruments in the house over the course of the day. The student has been a member of their school’s choir for three years and jumps at every opportunity to learn a new instrument for this group or try out for a solo. This choir meets early in the morning, before school, and they have never missed a practice. They are incredibly dedicated to the group and enjoys the opportunity to create music with their fellow classmates.

Tell us about your nominee’s musical activities.

Though musical instruments have been present in our home since the student was little, they did not formally begin learning an instrument until last year in their school’s orchestra. Although they loved the cello, they decided to move to band this year and have been learning the trumpet. They take guitar lessons and is currently teaching themself the piano. They hope to begin formal piano lessons after the new year. They were recently nominated by their music teacher for the Orff Schulwerk Honors Ensemble for Millard Public Schools. Only one student per elementary school is nominated, and they will be representing his school in the district ensemble. Rehearsals are for 10 weeks after school, and the group performs in March.

Briefly describe the special qualities that make your nominee a “Classical Kid.”

We believe this student is a “classical kid” because of their passion for all things creative. They spend most of their day learning and practicing music, drawing, and creating. They are incredibly dedicated to the musical groups they participate in, aspiring to perform their very best each and every time. It is inspiring to watch their developing passion for music and their willingness to challenge themselves with new pieces and new instruments. We are confident that this passion will persist and that music will play a big part in their life.

Piece: Medley

Student #6 Judging Form

Age: 11

Instrument: Piano and violin

Nominee Responses

Tell us about your musical activities: what instrument(s) you play, for how long, any ensembles you perform with, etc.

I play the piano, violin, and Irish (tin) whistle. Piano = 2 years, violin = 2 years. Tin whistle = experimenting over the years.

What is your favorite thing about playing your instrument and making music?

Playing the piano helps me to focus and be calm. I have a strong passion for playing music.

Tell us about your most memorable musical experience.

Playing music with my dad. We both learned the Baby Elephant Walk after we were given our piano by our good friends.

Tell us about your other non-musical activities, including athletics, hobbies, etc.

I play volleyball and ski. I love reading. I like to play outside, especially sledding in the snow!

Why do you listen to Classical 90.7 KVNO?

Yes, I do! It’s the only station my dad has on!

Sponsor Responses

Please explain why music is important to your nominee.

The student is a natural performer. They are very intense and focus intently on their activities, including playing the piano.

Tell us about your nominee’s musical activities.

I had always wanted to have a piano in our home. (I grew up with one, and played it for many years.) Unexpectedly, friends of ours offered us their piano two years ago after we moved into our new home. The student poured themselves into learning the piano! While they have taken piano lessons from a private teacher, they have been very determined to go “above and beyond”, and tackle some challenging music – shortly after we received our piano, I began learning the Baby Elephant Walk on my own, and before I knew it, the student was joining me! This is a difficult piece! They often bless our home by playing piano music in the background. I never have to tell them that they need to practice!

Briefly describe the special qualities that make your nominee a “Classical Kid.”

The student is a natural performer. They love to listen to KVNO, which I always have on at home and in the car. They will often ask to make requests on Friday Favorites, with one of their favorites being “Concerning Hobbits”. We also enjoyed Otis XII for many years while he was on the radio – he almost became part of our family, and we do miss him! But we’ve got a mug to remember him by.

We love KVNO and are grateful for it, all of the hosts and staff, and for the wonderful music you fill our lives with!

Piece: Beethoven Fur Elise

Student #7 Judging Form

Age: 11

Instrument: Violin/piano

Nominee Responses

Tell us about your musical activities: what instrument(s) you play, for how long, any ensembles you perform with, etc.

I started playing the violin in 2024 with OHBO and before that I played the viola with string sprouts. I began learning the piano with my neighbor who taught piano in 2023 and since she moved away have done some learning with Hoffman Academy online. I also joined the Veritas choir and handbell choir last year.

What is your favorite thing about playing your instrument and making music?

I like trying to transcribe music into sheet music from songs I have heard so my sister and I can play it together.

Tell us about your most memorable musical experience.

I loved getting to attend the symphony when they played all the songs in Beauty and the Beast with the movie.

Tell us about your other non-musical activities, including athletics, hobbies, etc.

I like crocheting, ice skating, volleyball, dancing, horses, sewing, learning foreign languages, art.

Why do you listen to Classical 90.7 KVNO?

I like music and classical music especially brings me joy.

Sponsor Responses

Please explain why music is important to your nominee.

The student is often singing, playing an instrument, listening to music, or dancing to a tune. Music is often in their heart and they have an incredible ear and memory.

Tell us about your nominee’s musical activities.

Veritas choir and handbell choir, OHBO orchestra, some piano lessons, singing in church groups when opportunity arises.

Briefly describe the special qualities that make your nominee a “Classical Kid.”

Beyond enjoying music in all its forms, I was particularly impressed that the student was able to transcribe sheet music from memory/ear of songs they knew this year. Despite the challenges that come with learning an instrument, they continue to press through and gain confidence. They show great desire and aptitude to learn more. Furthermore, classical music is one of their favorite styles and they are more familiar with more composers and famous pieces each year.

Piece: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Student #8 Judging Form