L to R: Marielly S., Yuri S., Jerome S., Landon S., Tobyn S., Detrick T., Kercy F., Giavanna N., Genala R. and N’Diyah B. | photo by Jennifer Miles
An ensemble of 10 CAP String Orchestra (CAPSO) students was awarded first place in the Crescendo International Music Competition’s audition round. The group will now go on to compete in the Winner’s Recital at Carnegie Hall in New York City on February 1!
The winning ensemble includes N’Diyah B., Kercy F., Giavanna N., Genala R., Jerome S., Tobyn S., Marielly S., Yuri S., Landon S. and Detrick T. The students range in age from 8th to 11th grades at various Jacksonville-area schools including Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, River City Science Academy and Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies.
“Watching my students earn such a prestigious honor is an incredible moment for all of us,” said Josh Stone, CAP Teaching Artist Fellow in Strings and director of CAPSO. “The Crescendo Competition gives them a real look at the stamina and self-discipline it takes to succeed as a professional, and seeing them rise to that challenge is what makes teaching so rewarding. I’m so impressed by the work they’ve put in to reach this level.”
WATCH: A sneak preview of CAPSO’s Carnegie Hall performance on News4JAX’s Morning Show
CAPSO, one of CAP’s Emerging Artists Programs, is an award-winning ensemble comprised of current and former CAP string students in grades 4–12 who collaborate, perform and further their understanding of classical and contemporary music.
“Experiences like the Crescendo Competition are vital because they challenge students to match their natural talent with the self-discipline required in the professional world in any career,” said CAP President & CEO Rev. Kimberly L. Hyatt. “Our mission has always been about providing access to the arts, and seeing these students realize their potential on such a prestigious stage is a testament to their hard work.”
Crescendo International Music Competition is a youth music competition held annually since 2007. Competition is open to Junior, Intermediate and Advanced levels for all instrumentalists, vocalists, duets and chamber ensembles.
CAP would like to thank the Willits Foundation, the King Tide Foundation, Duval County Public Schools and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts for their generous support of CAPSO.
Keep an eye on CAP’s social channels to get competition results and see photos and videos of CAPSO’s 2026 trip to New York!
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This article was originally posted on January 13 and updated on January 30, 2026.
