Local Musicians Shine on the National Stage | News

with Gold and Silver Ratings at Forum Music Festival

There was no shortage of excitement, pride, and celebration as young musicians from across the mountain communities returned from the Forum Music Festival in Anaheim, California, with standout performances and national recognition.

Representing a wide range of local talent, the MountainTop Strings of California and the Arrowhead Arts Association (AAA) Prelude Strings and Intermezzo took the stage alongside ensembles from across the country—and left a lasting impression. Their performances earned top honors, with MountainTop Strings receiving a Gold rating, placing them in the top 10% of student ensembles nationwide, and the AAA groups earning a Silver rating, ranking within the top 20%.

Adjudicated through the nationally recognized Forum Music Festivals, these rankings reflect exceptional musical achievement. Ensembles are evaluated by professional adjudicators on tone quality, intonation, balance, interpretation, and overall performance. To be ranked at this level is no small feat—it signals excellence on a national scale.

But what makes this achievement even more special is the strong sense of community behind it.

The “mountain” was proudly represented by four different groups within the MountainTop Strings program, drawing students from across the region. One group hailed from the Big Bear area, another brought together musicians from both Big Bear and AAA, and two additional groups represented AAA. Together, these ensembles showcased the depth of musical talent growing in mountain communities—talent that continues to thrive through dedication, collaboration, and a shared love of music.

Leading the MountainTop Strings of California is director Sharon Rizzo, whose guidance and passion have helped shape the ensemble into a nationally recognized program. Their Gold-rated performance was marked by precision, musicality, and an expressive quality that captured both the technical and emotional depth of their repertoire.

Adding to the celebration, concertmaster Grace Chung received individual recognition for Outstanding Musicianship—an honor awarded to select performers who demonstrate exceptional skill and artistry. Her leadership and performance stood out among peers, highlighting both her personal dedication and the strength of the ensemble as a whole.

And the momentum doesn’t stop there.

Many of the musicians from MountainTop Strings will be taking their talents overseas this summer as part of the program’s Italy tour. Performing in historic basilicas, open-air plazas, and centuries-old churches, these students will have the opportunity to share their music on an international stage—bringing a piece of their mountain community to audiences across Italy. For many, it will be their first time traveling abroad, making the experience both a cultural and musical milestone.

The success of the Arrowhead Arts Association groups adds another layer of pride to the story. Directed by Mui-yee Chu-Barry, the Prelude Strings and Intermezzo are afterschool programs— making their national recognition all the more impressive.

Despite being part of an afterschool program, these students rose to the national stage with confidence and determination. Their Silver rating places them among the top 20% of ensembles in the country—an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects both their growth and their commitment.

Their achievements didn’t stop there.

The AAA Prelude Strings Violin 1 section was awarded Outstanding Musicianship, recognizing the section’s cohesion, tone, and musical expression. Similarly, the Intermezzo’s Second Violin section also earned Outstanding Musicianship honors, a testament to the strength and unity of the group.

“These awards really highlight the teamwork within the ensembles,” one supporter shared. “It’s not just about individual talent—it’s about how well they listen, support each other, and perform as one.”

That spirit of collaboration was evident throughout the festival experience. For many of these students, performing at an adjudicated event like Forum Music Festival is both exciting and transformative. It provides the opportunity to perform in a formal setting, receive detailed feedback from professionals, and hear other ensembles from across the country.

More importantly, it gives young musicians a chance to see what they are capable of.

For the MountainTop Strings of California, the Gold rating reinforces their place among the nation’s top youth ensembles and sets the stage for continued success. For the AAA Prelude Strings and Intermezzo, the Silver rating—and their additional section awards—serve as a powerful reminder that excellence can flourish in any setting, including afterschool programs.

Across all groups, one thing is clear: the level of dedication is extraordinary. Hours of practice, rehearsals, and preparation led to just a few minutes on stage—but those moments captured the result of months of effort and growth.

And the community has taken notice.

Families, teachers, and supporters from across Big Bear and AAA have rallied behind these young musicians, celebrating their achievements and recognizing the value of arts education in the mountains.

In a region where opportunities can sometimes feel limited, programs like MountainTop Strings and the Arrowhead Arts Association are opening doors—giving students the chance to develop their talents, build confidence, and experience the joy of performance at a high level.

The results from the Forum Music Festival are more than just awards—they are a reflection of what happens when passion meets opportunity.

From Gold to Silver, from individual honors to section awards, these musicians have proven that the mountain communities are filled with talent, dedication, and heart.

And if this year’s performances are any indication, this is only the beginning.