Tina Whitley Music student Nathan Kaller placed second at a competition held at Cal Baptist University. The Young Pianists Competition encourages excellence in performance among elementary, junior high, and high school students.

Students spend an entire year preparing for the Certificate of Merit (CM), a Music Teachers Association of California exam administered every spring. CM tests students on theory, sight-reading, technique, and performance and holds students and their teachers to the highest standards. Results from CM are recognized by all institutions. As a result, they have been imperative in promoting students pursuing a college career, regardless of whether they continue a music career.

Congratulations to the following students who passed this year's CM exam. An extra congratulations to those who received state honors, awarded to students who performed exceptionally and passed the theory exam with a high percentage.

Well done, students!

• Julia Messenger, Level 2

• Siwei Wang, Level 3

• Jacob Mendoza, Level 4

• Ava Rosenthal, Level 4 — State Honors

• Lily Rosenthal, Level 4

• Isabella Mendoza, Level 6

• Jaden Nguyen, Level 6

• Ben Heick, Level 7

• Nathan Kaller, Level 7 — State Honors

• Ethan Kung, Level 7