Emily Wang advances to MTNA division competition in West Virginia

Photo provided Central Valley resident Emily Wang performed three musical pieces during the Music Teacher National Association competition in Rochester, earning her first place in the junior division and advancement to regional competition at the West Virginia University School of Music in January.

CENTRAL VALLEY — Emily Wang of Central Valley is the New York State winner/representative in the junior level for the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and will be moving on to Eastern division competition in January.
Wang, a pianist who is a Monroe-Woodbury High School freshman, prepared a 20-minute repertoire consisting of three diverse music pieces. The competition, hosted by Nazareth College in Rochester, was held Oct. 6.
The Eastern division consists of 12 states with one representative from each state competition. It will take place Jan. 6 and 7, 2018, at the West Virginia University School of Music in Morgantown, West Virginia.
The MTNA National Student Competitions are the most successful and prestigious student competitions in the country, according to its website. Each year, thousands of students compete for top prizes and national recognition.
The three-tiered competitions begin at the state round. First-place winner of the each state's competition advance to a division competition. Division winners compete in the national finals at the annual MTNA National Conference.
Competitions include composition, brass, piano, string, voice, woodwind and chamber music.
- Nancy Kriz