Westlake Students Among Nation's Most Accomplished Musicians

WESTLAKE, OH — Two Westlake High students have been recognized by the National Young Arts Foundation. Senior Graeham Guerin was named a finalist in jazz/double bass, while senior Tim Picard was recognized for jazz guitar at the merit level.

Guerin and Picard are among the nation's most accomplished young artists in the visual, literary and performing arts, according to the National Young Arts Foundation. Thousands of students applied to the foundation, but only 686 students received recognition. Winners get access to financial, creative and professional development opportunities.

Student winners are selected by a blind adjudication process. Winners represent the top 10 percent of applicants. Guerin will be among the finalists attending the National YoungArts Week in Miami in January. During the week-long program, finalists will take part in master classes and workshops before showcasing their work at the New World Center.

Guerin has been playing double bass for four years. He plans to major in jazz studies/double bass in college. He hopes to have a career as a professional musician.

Guerin is a College Credit Plus student at Cuyahoga Community College, where he studies math, English, sociology and music. He also takes part in several jazz ensembles at Tri-C.

Picard has played guitar since he was in fifth grade, participating in the Lee Burneson Middle School Jazz Band. He is also a College Credit Plus student and studies music courses and plays in several ensembles.

He is also planning to major in jazz studies and then pursue a career as a professional musician.