This year's Inland Empire Piano Festival, hosted by the MTAC branches of Redlands, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Temecula Valley, was unique in that it was virtual via Zoom. Despite this adjustment, students worked hard and brought their best, making it a success.

The theme of this year's festival was classical composers. Students were required to perform compositions by a classical composer for a panel of professionals who judged technical and interpretive ability and artistic presentation. 

These Tina Whitley Music students were judged and awarded for the highest standard of performance. Congratulations to the following students who received awards this year:

• Ava Rosenthal, Duet I - 3rd Place

• Lily Rosenthal, Duet I - 3rd Place

Every spring, the Music Teachers Association of California holds a statewide exam called the Certificate of Merit. Students spend the entire year preparing for this event that tests them on theory, sight-reading, technique, and performance. It is a rigorous exam that holds both student and teacher to the highest standard. All institutions recognize results from this exam. They have been imperative in promoting students pursuing a college career, whether they continue a career in music or not. Congratulations to the following students who passed the Certificate of Merit exam this year. I would also like to extend an extra congratulations to students who received state honors. State honors are awarded to students who performed exceptionally and passed the theory exam with a high percentage score. Well done, students!

• Julia Messenger, Level 1 – State Honors

• Brianna Cisneros, Level 2 – State Honors

• Siwei Wang, Level 2 – State Honors

• Ava Rosenthal, Level 3 – State Honors

• Jaden Nguyen, Level 3 – State Honors

• Lily Rosenthal, Level 3 – State Honors

• Israel Kaller, Level 4 – State Honors

• Benjamin Heick, Level 6 – State Honors

• Ethan Kung, Level 6 – State Honors

• Hazel Lloyd, Level 7

• Evelyn Kung, Level 8