Olivia Skaja
Violinist Youth Concerto Audition Winner
Sixteen-year-old Olivia Skaja has been studying the violin for seven and a half years. At age ten, she joined the Itasca Orchestra and Strings Program and has held the Concertmaster position for the Youth Chamber Orchestra since 2012. At age 11, she was invited to join the Itasca Symphony Orchestra and in 2014, performed as soloist with the orchestra for Antonio Vivaldi’s, “Winter”, from his famous composition, The Four Seasons.
In 2012, Olivia was awarded a full scholarship to Northern Lights International Music Festival (Aurora, MN) and in 2013, was accepted into Interlochen Summer Arts Camp. In the summer of 2014 she attended the Meadowmount School of Music. She has earned five consecutive (2011 – 2015) Superior ratings at the Minnesota Federation of Music Festival, and recently won first place in the Reif Center Top Ten Talent Search. Her teachers for private violin study include Richard Dugan, Mary LaPlant and currently, Alex DePue.
In addition to Olivia Skaja’s career as a violinist, her interests have also taken her into the land of improvisation, as a fiddler. Her awards include first place wins in the Junior-Junior and Junior divisions at the Minnesota State Oldtime Fiddle Championship, first place in the “Remer’s Got Talent” contest (2013) and was also deemed, “Fiddle Player of the Year” at the 29th annual Pilager Fiddle Contest (2013).
How did you become involved with HSO?
I was searching the internet for concerto competitions in the area, and came across the HSO.
What is you musical background?
My parents are both musical. My dad plays guitar, bass, and drums, and he builds guitars and repairs string instruments. My mom plays French Horn and piano. When I was little, my older sister would attend my mom’s orchestra concerts. I began playing violin, because I always liked watching the violins, and because a violin my dad repaired had been accidentally left at our house!
What individuals do you feel have helped stimulate your interest in music?
Mainly my teachers (private teachers and orchestra directors). They have all been so helpful and encouraging.
Private teachers: Masy LaPlant and Alex DePue
Orchestra directors: Dan Aalto and Kieth Swansan
What are your interests in school?
I generally enjoy school. I don’t have a favorite subject, I just enjoy learning new things.
List any out-of-school hobbies or activities that you enjoy.
I enjoy drawing, taking and editing photos…I love being creative! I love being outdoors, going for walks (rain or shine!). I also play a little piano and mandolin and sing in the Itasca Community Choir. I love listening to music of any genre…From Classical, to Rock, to Opera, to Bluegrass, to musicals, to electronic, to rap, to Gospel, to Barbershop, to Heavy Metal…I love it all!
Plans for your future.
I hope to attend a good music school and major in Music Education and for Music Performance. I want to perform and teach as much as possible!
Please include any information about your family or any other aspect you feel is of interest or importance.
I have an older sister, and two younger brothers. I enjoy playing and singing music with my sister (we perform together frequently). I also enjoy playing Mario Kart with my brothers.
Joey Tranvik
Pianist Youth Concerto Audition Winner
Sixteen-year old Joey Tranvik from Bertha has been studying piano for ten years while attending The Potter’s School online. His piano teachers have included Jennifer Sowers, Jackie Tellers and Dr. Paul Wirth. He has also studied compositional theory with Dr. Sarah Miller. He credits his parents with exposing him to music his whole life. His experience at piano camp helped stimulate his interest.
He is currently studying piano with Dr. Wirth and music composition via a Skype class. He also studies music theory and computers. One of his favorite activities is that of composing his own music using Logic ProX. He also enjoys outdoor activities with his friends as well as playing piano for his church and lists the Young Artist World Piano Festival as a favorite activity.
Joey hopes to attend college in Duluth or at the main campus of the University of Minnesota. His goal is to get a major in a computer science field and also one in music.
How did you become involved with HSO?
My piano teacher, Dr. Paul Wirth recommended the competition.
What is you musical background?
Piano teachers: Mrs. Jennifer Sowers, Ms. Jackie Tellers, and Dr. Paul Wirth (present)
Composition/Theory teacher: Dr. Sarah Miller
What individuals do you feel have helped stimulate your interest in music?
My parents exposed me to music my whole life. Reed Tetzloff, a piano camp friend. Dr. Paul Wirth, my piano teacher. Anton Melnichenko, my accompanist for this competition.
What are your interests in school?
Piano lessons, music composition via Skype class, music theory and computers.
List any out-of-school hobbies or activities that you enjoy.
Composing music with Logic Pro X, airsoft, outdoor activities with my friends, playing piano for my church, and Young Artist World Piano Festival.
Plans for your future.
I would like to get a major in any computer science field. I would also like a major in music. I would like to go to college in Duluth where all of my family is, or at the main U of M.