The 2026 MTAC State VOCE Competition was held online via video submission on March 15. Students became eligible to participate in State VOCE by being selected as finalists at the Southern or Northern California Regional VOCE.
Congratulations to all our branch students who competed!
Representing six (6) teachers, a special congratulations goes to these San Diego Branch students who received awards in the prestigious 2026 State VOCE Competition!
Junior Solo Strings
Clarie Chen, violin – 3rd Place
Mason Kwon, cello – Honorable Mention
Intermediate Solo Strings
Elisha Kim, violin – 2nd Place Three-Way Tie
Emel Cubukcu, violin – Honorable Mention
Senior Solo Strings
Alvin Wang, viola – 1st Place Alternate
Jasmine Chan, violin – 3rd Place
Intermediate Solo Winds
Pinakin Dhamdhere, bassoon – 1st Place Alternate
Senior Solo Winds
Rashmi Chelliserry, flute – 1st Place Alternate
Maggie Liang, flute – 3rd Place
Intermediate Solo Voice
Katherine Backues, soprano – 2nd Place
There are 11 VOCE divisions. VOCE stands for “Voice, Orchestral Instruments, and Chamber Ensembles.”