Persistence Key for Murrieta Rotary Music Winners

Persistence was key for winners of this year’s Murrieta Rotary music contest for high school-aged students, all three of them having competed in local Rotary competitions in the past.

First-place finisher Cristina Bates was fourth in last year’s Murrieta contest and was advanced to Rotary District 5330 competition. That experience and another year of practice showed in her polished flute performance, which gained her a $400 prize.

Vocalist Nico Ayala earned the second place $250 prize, also having experienced club-level competition previously.

And the third place performer Serena Gu, a pianist who participated in the Murrieta contest two years ago, won $100.

All three are students at Murrieta Mesa High School.

The three advance to district competition this spring where they will compete for prizes of up to $1,000 in each of the vocal, piano and instrumental categories.

The high school-age students showed off their skills at the Feb. 27 contest.

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

—News release submitted by Al Vollbrecht for Rotary Club of Murrieta