Seven student musicians from four Kent schools will compete in Key to Change’s annual Solo String Festival April 9-11 at Benaroya Hall in Seattle.
They will perform along with 34 other students from South King County and compete for prizes, college scholarships and an opportunity to perform live on Classical King FM 98.1, according to the Kent School District.
The seven from Kent include Daisy Saucedo of Kent-Meridian High School; Jason Deng, Ellie Whitby and Madison Wooley of Kentridge High School; Alexandra Ruiz of Meridian Middle School; and Ashley Contrera Avila and Eden Pawlos of Mill Creek Middle School.
People can watch the competition virtually throughout the weekend of April 9-11 by viewing the livestream on the Key to Change website.
“Key to Change has affected my life for the better,” said Wooley, of Kentridge. “I have more opportunities than before. I do struggle with learning disabilities and I feel welcomed and not judged. I am not treated any differently and I am given more opportunities in music than the school system is able to provide.”
Winners of the Solo String Festival will be announced at Key to Change’s Spring Salon Fundraiser, a virtual event at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 11. The 30-minute program will include inspiring stories from South King County students, families and teachers as well as a message from Quinton Morris, executive director and founder of Key to Change. Morris is an associate professor of violin and chamber music at Seattle University.
Key to Change is a Washington state nonprofit organization that inspires underserved youth through world-class music instruction and supports their development as self-aware leaders.
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