The 2026 Excellence in Music Awards was held on May 16, 2026. We had 21 wonderful students from 7 teachers participate in this event. This event was organized by EMTA members Angela Michael, Bonnie Thomas, and Dr. Jensina Oliver.

Grade Category 11/12 Joan Brown Scholarship Winners

1st Place Winner- Dylan Le – $1,200.00
Teacher: Angela Michael
Dylan Le will perform at the EMTA Gala on May 30, 2026

2nd Place Winner: Zach Meyer – $700.00
Teacher: Laurie McFarland

3rd Place Winner: Liam Kinsella – $500.00
Teacher: Roxanne Kar

Honorable Mention: Logan Lai – $300.00
Teacher: Valerie Gathright

Grade Category 9/10 Results

EMTA AWARDS GALA PERFORMER

Student: Radmila Sabirova
Teacher: Yelena Balabanova

OTHER WINNERS

Student: Aden Hitchcock
Teacher: Laurie McFarland

Student: Auditri Das
Teacher: Roxanne Kar

Student: Jayce Brown
Teacher: Marie Wollam-Mergler

Student: Kevin Fan
Teacher: Yelena Balabanova

Student: Lydia Thomas
Teacher: Laurie McFarland

Student: Zara Do
Teacher: Frances Goei

Grade Category 7/8 Results

EMTA AWARDS GALA PERFORMERS

Student: Yiling Sun
Teacher: Yelena Balabanova

Student: Laurel Bjur
Teacher: Valerie Gathright

OTHER WINNERS

Student: Ailinh Nguyen
Teacher: Angela Michael

Student: Annabelle Lai
Teacher: Valerie Gathright

Student: Colin Ip
Teacher: Frances Goei

Student: Elsa Clingenpeel
Teacher: Frances Goei

Student: Kaylee Hu
Teacher: Marie Wollam-Mergler

Student: Laurel Bjur
Teacher: Valerie Gathright

Student: Lillian Mergler
Teacher: Marie Wollam-Mergler