Matthew M. Recieves a Superior Rating at Solo and Ensemble!

Congratulations to 17 year old Matthew McNamara for receiving a superior rating at the Minnesota State High School League Solo and Ensemble Festival! Matthew was honored with a score of 39/40 for his performance of J.S. Bach's Arioso for solo cello. He received specific praise for his "lovely, even vibrato and sound". Matthew is a junior representing Mounds View High School in Arden Hills, MN.

When asked what he believes has been his toughest challenge in practicing the cello, he responded that bow control and contact point have been his focus. He is most proud of accomplishing a sense of ease in his shifting, and developing the ability to choose his own fingerings. Matthew is currently a student of Ms. Courtney Van Cleef in Minneapolis- Saint Paul.