Junior saxophonist Jesse Dochnahl won first prize this past Monday at the national finals of the Music Teachers National Association woodwind Young Artist competition. The finals were held in Seattle, where Dochnahl performed Flute Sonata in A minor by C.P.E. Bach, “Scaramouche” by Darius Milhaud, “The Nature of this Whirling Wheel” by Rodney Rogers, and “In Friendship” by Karlheinz Stockhausen. After winning the state title in November, Dochnahl took first in the five-state Midwest regional competition in January, earning himself the chance to fly out to Seattle for nationals.
Upon winning the regional competition Dochnahl stated, “The greatest satisfaction I get from the success is the inspiration it gives my own sax students here and at home in Montana. That’s easily the most valuable aspect; seeing a young musician’s excitement for music intensify ********– including my own.”
Jesse is a music education and performance major from Montana and according to saxophone professor Steven Jordheim, he’s a student with “fine talent, dedication and hard work.”
Jordheim added, “the finalists in the MTNA competition often are graduate students, so winning this competition as an undergraduate is certainly an impressive achievement for Jesse.” In addition to the immense recognition that comes with the MTNA title, Jesse was awarded a $3,000 prize. His achievements have been celebrated by students and faculty alike and will undoubtedly earn him respect for years to come.
Dochnahl sweeps MTNA nationals -dlh
