A local resident who is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has received recognition in a clarinet competition on the regional level.

Clarinetist Jenni Nicewander Yang, 3347 Iris Lane, Stevens Point, was named first runner up at the Collegiate Woodwind Competition of the Music Teachers National Conference in Terre Haute, Ind.

She has been a student of Professor Andrea Splittberger-Rosen since ninth grade.

"Jenni is a very talented clarinetist and musician with a lot of performance experience," Splittberger-Rosen said. "The three woodwind judges at the competition were very impressed with her playing."

Yang will perform a recital of her program at UWSP on Sunday, March 4 at 3 p.m. in Michelsen Concert Hall, Fine Arts Center. Her husband, Thomas Yang, piano instructor at the American Suzuki Talent Education Center, is her collaborative pianist.

As first runner-up, Yang has been deemed qualified to perform at the national competition in March in Washington, D.C. If the first place winner would be unable to compete, Yang would represent the five-state region in national competition. The region includes Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan.

Yang�s program included Dance Preludes by Lutoslawski , Scherzo Brillante by Jean Jean, and Sonata in E Flat Major by Brahms. She was required to memorize one piece, for which she chose the first movement of Concerto in E Flat Major, by Mercadante.

The daughter of Jim and Sue Nicewander, 130 Black Forest Circle, Plover, Yang is majoring in music education, clarinet performance and Spanish at UWSP.

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