Young Artist Competition Winners

Each season, the MDSO offers opportunities for young artists to perform as soloists. Millikin University holds an annual Concerto/Aria Competition from which a small group of talented musicians are selected. As part of the “Performance Learning” model at Millikin, this is an additional feature of the School of Music which allows students to learn and practice their art.

This year’s winners of the Young Artist Aria/Concerto Competition performed with the MDSO at the Masterworks III Concert on February 22, 2025, 7:30pm at Kirkland Fine Arts Center.

Colton-Milddeton-MDSO-soloist

Morgan-Reckamp-MDSO-soloist

Julia-Funck-MDSO-soloist

Colton-Middleton-MDSO-2-22-25

Mmorgan-Reckamp-MDSO-2-22-25

Julia-Funck-MDSO-2-22-25

Colton Middleton, marimba

Colton Middleton is a senior Music Education major at Millikin University, and is studying percussion under Dr. Jeremy Brunk. During his time at Millikin, Colton has actively participated in various music ensembles, including Percussion Ensemble I, Millikin Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Combos, Jazz Band II, and TrueBlue Choir. Notably, he’s taken on leadership roles within Percussion Ensemble and Wind Ensemble since halfway through his Sophomore year. Colton plans to start his career in public schools after graduation. Looking ahead, he also hopes to pursue graduate studies in Percussion Performance to further his expertise in the field.

Morgan Reckamp, soprano

Morgan Reckamp is 19 years old and a sophomore Vocal Performance major at Millikin University. She spends most of her time building her craft in the practice rooms! Morgan placed first at the Central Region National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) student auditions held at the University of Missouri in October. Her ultimate goal is to sing a role in at least one of the world’s famous opera houses. Her inspiration for studying music comes from her mother, who was also a voice performance major when she was in college!

Julia Funck, clarinet

Julia Funck is a senior Clarinet Performance major from Marion, Iowa where she began playing the clarinet at ten years old. Julia is a substitute clarinetist with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and plays clarinet and bass clarinet in the Decatur Municipal Band. At Millikin, she performs in the clarinet section of the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble along with multiple chamber ensembles including the Eidolan Woodwind Quintet, Clarinet Quartet, Clarinet Choir, and a self-founded Flute, Clarinet, and Piano Trio. In addition to music and academics, Julia loves spending time with her family, her fiance, and her cat named Chippy Bach.