Cobbler Violist Wins Young Artist Competition

Ten Cobbler musicians competed in the Black Hills Symphony’s Young Artist Competition. One of them won the competition’s top honors.

Central junior Caleb Van Vleet won the Young Artist Competition two weeks ago and will now perform his piece with the Black Hills Symphony on March 2.

The Black Hills Symphony’s Young Artist Competition is held annually for aspiring musicians in high school who wish to perform a solo piece for a panel of judges at the competition. The winner receives a $500 cash prize and also the prestigious opportunity to perform their piece with the Black Hills Symphony Orchestra. Nine other Central students ranging from 9th to 12th grade also participated, including Sean Tallon, who received an honorable mention in the Senior division, and Connor Stuck, who placed 2nd in the Junior division.

Twenty-five students participated in the competition this year in two divisions–the senior division for juniors and seniors, and the junior division for freshmen and sophomores. The competition is a big commitment. Contestants perform professional-level pieces from memory, some up to 8-11 minutes long. They typically choose their piece nine months in advance, and in November submit an application including a reference from a music teacher and a recording of their piece. In preparation for the competition, Caleb said he would typically practice 30 minutes to 2 hours every day. He started practicing his piece, “Rhapsody-Concerto for Viola (2nd Movement)” by Martinů in April of 2023.

When asked how he got involved in the Young Artist Competition, Caleb said that his private teacher encouraged him to perform. He said that before the competition, “I felt worried because I didn’t think I would win,” but during the performance was able to focus on the music.

Emily Pflaum, Central High School’s orchestra director, attended the competition and listened to all the pieces. “The best part for me,” she said, “is to see the students supporting each other.” Even though it was a competition, students sat together and watched each other perform. Ms. Pflaum saw her role as being “a supporter and cheerleader for the students who performed,” as most students worked with their private teachers to prepare their pieces. The event itself was sponsored by the Black Hills Symphony Orchestra.

Chris Budd, a senior viola-player at Central, did not perform but attended the competition to watch and support. He said it was nice to see people being recognized for their accomplishments, even if they did not place. If there was a piece the audience particularly enjoyed, they would applaud longer in appreciation of the performance.

Caleb chose the viola primarily for its uniqueness. He has been playing his instrument for seven years, and plans to continue after high school.

Header photo courtesy of the Black Hills Symphony.