Music freshman wins Lincoln's Symphony competition

calendar icon10 Dec 2012    

Freshman saxophone performance major Nicholas May was announced as the winner of the Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition on Nov. 17.

As the winner, May receives the title of LSO Young Artist Winner for the 2012-2013 season, publicity exposure, a private rehearsal and coaching from LSO Resident Conductor and UNL Professor Tyler White and two featured performances as a soloist with the orchestra at LSO’s Young People’s Concert at the Lied Center and family concert at Nebraska Wesleyan’s O’Donnell Auditorium, as well as a $500 cash prize.

May will be performing with the orchestra on Feb. 3, 2013, at 2 p.m. at Nebraska Wesleyan and again on Feb. 5, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Lied Center for Performing Arts.

“Nick has been studying with me since he was a freshman or sophomore in high school,” said Associate Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies Paul Haar. “Beyond his natural talent (musically and technically), he has one of the strongest work ethics I have ever seen in a student. There is no ‘minimum standard’ when it comes to his drive and desire. I am very happy that his hard work has paid off in this way.”

May is a graduate of Lincoln Southwest High School and is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Music in saxophone performance at UNL, where he is a student of Haar.

May has been active in a number of state and regional honor ensembles, including NMEA All-State (three years), the UNL Winter Winds Honor Festival (three years), the University of Kansas Prairie Winds Honor Festival (three years) and the Lincoln Youth Symphony.

At the School of Music, May is active in the UNL Big Band, Saxophone Choir and University Symphonic Band. He is also a founding member of the Soft Blue Saxophone Quartet.