March 2010 Winner: Lakyn Baker

The March 2010 Young Artists Award recipient is Lakyn Baker, a senior at Fayette High School in Fayette, Missouri.

John D. Perkins, who teaches high brass at Swinney Conservatory – Central Methodist University in Fayette nominated Miss Baker. Perkins stated that “Lakyn embodies all the ingredients of an outstanding young musician, is highly conscientious and possesses a unique determination to succeed.”

Lakyn is currently a member of the Fayette High School Pride Concert and Marching Bands, and the football and Pep Bands under the direction of Mr. Skip Vandelicht.

In 2006 and 2007 as a freshman and sophomore Lakyn held top chairs in the All-District Honorable Mention Band, attended the University of Missouri Mizzou Band Camps and was selected to perform in the Honors Brass Choir at CMU’s Brass Invitational Conference.

In 2008 after a rigorous round of auditions based on her performance of the Arban Conservatory method Characteristic Studies Miss Baker was selected to participate in the All-District Band and that July attended the Missouri Fine Arts Academy where she performed in instrumental music, visual arts, theatre, and dance.

Throughout Lakyn’s high school career she has received consecutive “superior” ratings at District Solo and Ensemble Contests and “excellent” awards at the state level performing works from Missouri’s Prescribed Graded Music List. 2010 marked Miss Baker’s fourth season as the solo cornet in the Regional Conference Band. During this time Lakyn also received the Underclassmen Band Award, Upperclassmen Band Award and the Award for Mu s ical Excellence at Fayette High School. Lakyn solos regularly at the Grace Fellowship Church and salutes America’s service men and women playing Taps on Veteran’s Day at all schools in her district.

Outside of her musical endeavors Lakyn is a member of the National Honor Society, the Math and Science Club and volunteers for clean up duty for her community’s “Adopt a Highway” program. Lakyn currently resides with her proud mother Rebekah Baker and siblings Dustin and Grace. In the fall of 2010, she plans to attend Central Methodist University with a dual major in music education and English. With that combination, a prospective ITG Journal writer may be in the making… Miss Baker will receive a one-year complimentary membership in ITG. Congratulations, Lakyn!