Bellevue Teen Places Second In National Composers Contest

Aaron Zhang, a sophomore at Lakeside School, was awarded second place in his class in the National Federation of Music Clubs 2021 Junior Composers Contest on Friday. Judged by Dr. Edward Knight, his composition Interstellar Clouds was picked from regional winners across the U.S. The award comes with a $175 prize and marks the culmination of a series of NFMC contests. Prior to the prize, Zhang had won first place in his state and advanced to the regional level in the competitions. Zhang hopes to use this prize on his July trip to Vienna, where he is set to perform his composition at Ehrbar Hall as part of the Golden Key Music Festival.

The NFMC Junior Composers Contest is a premier music composition contest for young composers. The National Federation of Music Clubs, founded in 1898, has developed into one of the world's largest music organizations. The Congress of the United States charters the organization, which is also the only music organization member of the United Nations. Its annual Junior Festivals bring about 100,000 participants and encourages music education nationwide.