Only 13 young musicians from across the country were recognized by music and sound company Yamaha as winners of the Yamaha Young Performing Artists (YYPA) Competition, which celebrates emerging artists who demonstrate outstanding musical achievement.
One of those winners is Jennelle Williams. She was recently recognized for her French horn artistry.
"I was incredibly excited and very thankful for all the support I had received from friends and family and teachers throughout the last couple of years," she said.
Williams grew up in the Elgin area said she first picked up the French horn in fifth grade, following in the footsteps of her sister and highly musical family.
"It was something that I was always passionate about and I was always really hungry to learn more about," she said.
She said she recalls being inspired by concerts in Chicago.
"We went to go see Star Trek live with an orchestra in Chicago," she said. "I think that just really changed my perspective on what I could do with music."
Williams attended Dundee Middle School and Interlochen Arts Academy and just graduated from Eastman School of Music in New York.
As one of the winners of the YYPA Competition, Williams will be performing Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, next week with other talented musicians.
"I am incredibly excited to be collaborating with other musicians that I have never met in person," she said. "I am just so thankful that I get to have a dedicated space to collaborate with these amazing musicians."
She said she hopes to expand her network of performers and music industry professionals.
"I think so much of being a successful artist and musician is learning from the people that have already been out in the field working," she said.
In the Fall, Williams will be attending Carnegie Mellon University to pursue her master's degree in Music.
