As a community arts hub, the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA) is deeply committed to youth access and engagement with the arts, encouraging exploration and creativity. In May, this takes center stage with the Whidbey Island Orchestra Young Artist Showcase, where four island youth musicians will take part in WICA’s 30th anniversary celebrations under the leadership of Whidbey Island Orchestra Conductor James Hinkley.

“These are music students who have devoted years of practice to their instruments and the repertoire for those instruments. But when it comes to concertos, which require an entire orchestra to play, very few ever have the chance to actually perform the music they've worked so hard to perfect,” said Hinkley. “I think the connecting tissue at the heart of both WICA and the Whidbey Island Orchestra is the dual goals of bringing great art to the community, and offering the artists of this community the space and opportunity to display their art. I think this is especially true in respect to our young artists. They are the future of the arts on Whidbey.”

The event, which is “a concerto competition designed to give young musicians of Whidbey Island the opportunity to perform with a full symphony orchestra,” began under the direction of long-time WICA supporter Michael Nutt and continued with Hinkley’s predecessor Cynthia Morrow. This year’s showcase will feature four local young artists on a variety of instruments.

For tenth grader Judah Macarro, who will be performing on the trumpet, a love of music came early on. “It must have been when I was five,” said Macarro. “My parents and older sister played songs in the car, on the piano, at home, and with their voices. I was interested in music. I wanted to play everything (bongos, violin, guitar, piano).” An interest in playing the trumpet began in middle school, where Macarro discovered a love for jazz great Louis Armstrong.

*Eighth grader Padmasalle Getsa on violin*

For eighth grader and violinist Padmasalle Getsa, the Showcase is an opportunity to inspire other young musicians to pursue the arts. “I hope I can inspire other kids, just like others inspired me. When I was younger, I thought classical music was a little boring. But the more I practiced and listened to it, the more I started to love it. By performing for the community, I hope I can show people how beautiful and exciting classical music can be.”

Getsa is no stranger to the WICA stage, having performed as a company dancer in the Whidbey Island Dance Theatre performances of The Nutcracker and Celebration of Dance. “But this time, I’m especially excited because it will be my first time performing there as a solo violinist.”

Both students recognize that it was the direction they received from mentors along the way that has made this possible. And now, as they look ahead to the Showcase, it is a chance to share their love of music with the Whidbey community, inspiring the next generation of classical musicians.

“It feels great sharing my music with the community and showing what I have to offer and to let people enjoy hearing the music. When the music all comes together, there is a connection in the band. I love that feeling,” said Macarro. “I am so excited to be performing with the Whidbey Island Orchestra. Opportunities like this don’t happen every day.”

Getsa and Macarro will be joined in the Showcase by eighth grader Adeline Stevens and ninth grader Audrey Layton, both on violin.

To learn more about the event and to purchase tickets, visit WICAonline.org.

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