Senior violin player Haylee Carpenter took first place in the Delano Chamber Players Young People’s Solo Competition on Feb. 13th. The contest, held at West Side Baptist Church, was judged by members of the Delano Orchestra. According to Carpenter, the competition requires a lot of preparation and memorization.

“Anyone can participate, but you have to be a senior and you have to have a full concerto memorized,” Carpenter said. “You also have to perform two contrasting orchestra excerpts plus your solo concerto.”

The winner of the contest is given the opportunity to perform their solo concerto in an upcoming concert with the Delano Orchestra as well as a cash prize of $500.

Carpenter said that this win is a reassurance that her hard work and practice has paid off.

“I was ecstatic [when I won] because I entered in a different competition about a month ago and was very close to winning but got runner-up,” Carpenter said. “So when I won this I was just really excited because I finally get to live my dream and fulfill all the work that I have done over the past year.”

Although they could not watch her actual performance, Carpenter said that her family was there to support her and were incredibly proud of her victory.

“[My family] was really excited for me and is just looking forward to the concert.” Carpenter said.

Carpenter’s performance with the Delano Orchestra will take place at West Side Baptist Church on April 24th.