Jeffrey Kwong, grade 11, was named the top cellist in the California American String Teachers Association’s (ASTA) 2010 Solo Competition. Kwong and the other winners for each instrument (violin, viola and guitar) will be featured in a Winner’s Showcase recital on Jan. 30 at California State University, Fullerton, where they will also be awarded with certificates and a cash prize. All winners were recommended to be considered potential finalists for ASTA’s National Solo Competition.

Another student musician, senior guitarist Nikhil Parthasarathy, was recommended as a candidate for national finalist. Finalists will be selected in January, and will travel to Kansas City, Mo., in March to participate in the finals.