Buchholz student named finalist in music competition 

A Buchholz High School student has been named a finalist in the U.S. Navy Band Young Artist Solo Competition.  

Sophomore Madelyn Urbine will be traveling to Washington, D.C., later this week to compete in the final round of the competition, where she will perform an ensemble selection with the Navy’s Concert Band.  

To earn her spot as a finalist, Urbine submitted an audition video. She was one of six national high school students selected based on their audition tapes. The grand prize winner will perform as the featured soloist with the Concert Band in May.  

“It’s one of the most prestigious honors any young musician can receive,” said Buchholz band director Noah Graben in a press release. “This is one of the premier bands stationed in Washington D.C. They offer this opportunity to recognize and spotlight some of the most talented musicians in the United States.”  

“I’m really excited to meet the Navy band and have the opportunity to solo at such a high level because I’ve never performed on a scale like that before,” said Urbine.   

Urbine began playing the French horn in the Ft. Clarke Middle School band under the director Everett McConn. 

“I really like the group experience and how we all just get to work together to create beautiful music,” she said.  

Graben says Urbine’s musical ability after just five years of playing is exceptional.  

“She’s just an unbelievable young talent,” he said. “The most impressive thing about her is her discipline and her dedication. The amount of time she spends rehearsing, practicing, and demonstrating a passion for the art blows me away.”