2026 Commencement Contest Winners – Instrumental

Maranatha’s Music Department announces the winners of this year’s Instrumental Commencement Contest. The contest allows student musicians to develop their presentation and performance skills. Pianists and vocalists have the opportunity to compete in separate categories of the Commencement Contest. Janine Brown adjudicated the instrumental division.

Winner

Accompanied by Abigail Boorujy, Gabriella Moore won first place with her performance of Tzigane by Ravel. Moore is a Music Major with concentrations in Performance and String Pedagogy.

Brown says, “It’s obvious [Gabriella] put in a lot of work, and it showed a polished, meaningful performance.”

Competition winners receive a cash prize and their name is placed on a perpetual plaque.

Runner-up

Accompanied by Kaleb Lettau, Owynn Butler won second place with his performance of Sonata for Oboe and Piano Mvt 1 by Poulenc. Butler is a Music Major with concentrations in Performance and Arranging.

After the competition, Brown commented, “Owynn gave a really strong performance with a confident sound and clear musical direction throughout. A well-earned runner-up performance.”

Adjudicator

Janine Kolinski Brown is an experienced music educator and director of bands currently serving at Beloit Turner Middle School in Beloit, Wisconsin, where she directs sixth through eighth grade bands and jazz band while also collaborating with the high school band program. She previously served as Director of Bands at Monroe High School and Assistant Band Director at Jefferson High School, with extensive experience in concert band, wind ensemble, jazz band, marching band, pit orchestra, and solo and ensemble instruction. Ms. Brown holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Maranatha University and a Master’s degree in Music and Music Education from Columbia University. Her work has contributed to her district receiving the NAMM Best Communities for Music Education award for five consecutive years, and she was named Beloit Rotary Teacher of the Month in 2023. She is passionate about fostering high musical standards, thoughtful musicianship, and meaningful educational experiences for students at all levels.