Welsh Valley Middle School eighth grader Ethan Hsu’s submission to the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Composition Program was recently selected as an “Outstanding Composition” in the Open Track Category of this year’s competition.

Ethan’s original piece, entitled Fantasy for Orchestra, was one of only six compositions honored in the state-wide contest and was performed by a college-level orchestra at the recent PMEA State Music Festival, which was held at the Kalahari Convention Center in Pocono Summit, PA. Of the six esteemed composers, Ethan was the only middle school student to earn this prestigious distinction.

Ethan and his father made the trip to Pocono Summit and were in the audience as Fantasy for Orchestra was performed live at the state conference, where he was also presented with a certificate of recognition for this remarkable accomplishment. Joining Ethan at the conference was Welsh Valley Orchestra Director Marybeth McCarrick, who served as his sponsor for the competition, providing feedback and guidance throughout the process. Congratulations to Ethan on this extraordinary accomplishment!