Several highly qualified contenders participated in the Annual YOBC Concerto Competition. Four students were selected as soloists. Congratulations to Stephanie Shonis, Josiah Feng, and Carly Faulkner.

Stephanie Shonis (Viola)
Fall 2025
Symphony Orchestra Concert

Romanze, op. 85
Max Bruch

Stephanie Shonis has been studying viola since 5th grade. Now a senior at New Hope-Solebury High School, she plays principal viola in both her high school chamber orchestra and string quartet. She also enjoys playing viola solos at school community events and performing in the BCMEA Orchestra Festivals. This season marks her fifth year with YOBC. She is grateful for having been a part of Ripieno, Philharmonia, Cadence Quartet, Symphony Orchestra, and most recently the Honors String Quartet, Student Advisory Board and Social Media Intern.

Stephanie enjoys attending concerts at Carnegie Hall and the Kimmel Center. She also likes exploring the city, discovering new cafés, and arranging flower bouquets. She especially enjoys sharing her love of cooking with others while listening to artists such as Laufey and Frank Sinatra. Stephanie looks forward to playing her viola in college and beyond.

Josiah Feng (Bassoon)
Spring 2026
Concert Winds

Andante e Rondo Ongarese
Carl Maria von Weber

Josiah Feng is a senior at Wissahickon High School. He has been playing the bassoon since 5th grade and joined YOBC in 9th grade. In addition, he has been part of the Syracuse Youth Orchestra, Montgomery County Honor Band, PMEA District, Region, and All-State Bands and Orchestras. He has taken lessons with Dr. Jessica King and Mr. Eric Wilson. He plans to study physics in college after he graduates from high school.

Carly Faulkner (Clarinet)
Spring 2026
Symphony Orchestra

Concertino
Carl Maria von Weber

Carly Faulkner is a senior at Souderton Area High School. Carly first joined YOBC Concert Winds in 2022, playing clarinet, and later joined Symphony Orchestra in 2023.

At school, Carly plays in the Jazz and Symphonic Bands and serves as an Ed-Intern in the concert band. She also leads the Marching Band as Senior Drum Major.

She has participated in District 11 Orchestra and Band, Region IV Band, and Pennsylvania All-State Band. She plans to pursue either Clarinet Performance or Music Education in college next year.

Carly would like to thank her parents, band teacher Adam Tucker, marching band director Mrs. Simpson, and her private teacher Bob Essock. They all individually contributed to her success as a musician.