Murrieta Valley Freshman Wins Rotary Music Contest

freshman vocalist Alanna Samarin won Murrieta Rotary’s annual music contest this week, it was announced.

Alanna claimed a $400 first-place prize among 14 high schoolers who competed in the Feb. 22 contest. The students showed off their vocal, piano and instrumental skills, said Al Vollbrecht of the Murrieta Rotary Club, in a news release.

Alanna follows in the footsteps of her two older sisters who also enjoyed success in the Rotary musical world, Vollbrecht said.

"Each of Alanna’s older sisters were winners of the district’s vocal competition the last two years and are now pursuing musical careers," Vollbrecht said. "That is the younger sister’s intent as well."

Taking the $250 second-place prize was cellist Tiffany Christensen from Temecula, who is a senior at Idllywild Arts Academy. Another vocalist and Murrieta Valley senior, Rebekah Cope, earned the $100 third-place award.

The three advance to Rotary District 5330 competition this spring, Vollbrecht said.

"Clubs across the district conduct the contests to recognize what the youngsters have already accomplished and to encourage them in their musical pursuits," he said.