For the Reporter

The Washington Music Educators Association has selected nine students from Auburn high schools to participate in the WMEA All-State performing groups Feb. 12-16 in Yakima.

The students will join other outstanding high school student musicians in the gala event. They will rehearse and perform in concert under the direction of world-renowned conductors.

Those local students participating: Auburn Riverside, Claire Kerbs (violin, chamber orchestra); Judith Kim (violin, chamber orchestra); Justin Kim (cello, chamber orchestra); Alonso Tirado (violin, symphony orchestra); Taylor Carstens (bass, symphony orchestra). Auburn High, Levi Golan (violin, chamber orchestra); Peter Youn (violin, chamber orchestra); Emily Hennings (viola, chamber orchestra); Carl Hennings (string bass, symphony orchestra).

Elsewhere

Jonathan Urmenita graduated from Washington State University during fall commencement on Dec. 7. Urmenita, a 2009 Auburn Mountainview graduate, earned a music degree with a double major in education and performance, with an emphasis in jazz studies. He graduated with top honors and received recognition from the Golden Key International Honor Society and The National Society of Collegiate Scholars. … Auburn’s Michael Frank recently graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a bachelor of science degree in dietetics. …

Avery Aresu, a 2010 Auburn Riverside graduate, recently graduated from the University of Portland with a bachelor of arts degree in English, with a minor in fine arts. She specialized in creative writing and studio art. …

PHOTO BELOW:

Top Auburn High School musicians left: Levi Golan, Carl Hennings, Emily Hennings and Peter Youn. Courtesy photo