Friendly competition can be a powerful teacher. Embracing this spirit, Stetson’s School of Music proudly announced the final round of the inaugural Neil and Dolly Huhta Instrumental Music Competition, showcasing the extraordinary talent of its students.

The live finale took place in Lee Chapel of Stetson’s DeLand campus throughout the day on Sunday, Feb. 9. Twenty-four finalists competed for cash prizes: $4,000 for first place; $1,000 for second place; and, $500 for third place.

The winner of the competition was senior Zachary Frankowiak, flute. Sophomore Donald Valencia, piano, placed second and senior Ian Owens, horn, placed third.

“Competitions such as this provide transformative experiential education opportunities,” said Washington Garcia, DMA, dean of the Stetson University School of Music. “Thanks to the generosity of supporters like Neil and Dolly Huhta, Stetson is able to offer experiences that challenge students to strive for excellence while building confidence and poise in their musical careers and other areas of life.”

Organized by Assistant Professor of Trombone, Dunwoody Mirvil, DM, the Huhta Competition is open to strings, guitar, woodwinds, brass, percussion and keyboard majors. This is one of many opportunities at Stetson’s School of Music to help students excel in a supportive yet competitive environment. Other prestigious events include the Concerto Competition, Giffin Competition, and the Stetson at Carnegie Hall Chamber Music and Solo Auditions. The Huhta Competition provides substantial financial support to students, positioning it among other top competitive university-based instrumental competitions in the nation.

The competition was made possible by Stetson alumnus Neil Huhta ’84, and his wife Dolly. Huhta, now CFO of Boniface Heirs Automotive Group in Melbourne, Florida, began his Stetson journey as a trombone player in the School of Music before earning an accounting degree from Stetson’s School of Business Administration. Although he doesn’t play professionally, he and his wife appreciate the dedication required of music students and are committed to supporting the next generation of musicians.

“From when I was very young, my mother always challenged me to get my education. It was part of my value system growing up,” said Huhta. “My time at Stetson was transformative to my life and career. Sponsoring this competition is one way I can pay it forward to some very hardworking and talented students.”

The Finalists

For the preliminary round, students submitted video recordings of two contrasting pieces or movements. Judges selected 24 finalists on Nov. 25, 2024. The finalists were:

• Antonio Araiza, piano
• Aiden Butler, piano
• Andrei Caquimbo, oboe
• Abigail Clouser, trumpet
• Madeleine Eddy, horn
• Nathan Esquenazi, clarinet
• Alejandro S. Fernandez, cello
• Zachary Frankowiak, flute
• Georgie Gonzalez, cello
• Donovan Hancock, flute
• Carrie Helms, trumpet
• Sydney Holder, oboe
• Elijah Hoven, trombone
• David Jaimes, flute
• Michael Ledyaev, guitar
• Rianne Lee, cello
• Aine Mullen, viola
• Seth Mullett, trumpet
• Madelyn Munley, piano & violin
• Ian Owens, horn
• Danae Tran, violin
• Donald Valencia, piano
• Rayah Yehnert, flute

The live competition finale was free and open to the public, and took place throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9. For updated information and start times, visit the “Upcoming Concerts” section at www.stetson.edu/music.