6th grade flutist earns international honors

Feb. 1, 2023

For the second year in a row, Boyce Middle School student Arjun Kairi placed first in the Crescendo International Music Competition. Arjun, a sixth grader, delivered his award-winning flute performance on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, at New York City’s Carnegie Hall.

Arjun, age 11, first began his flute studies at The Pittsburgh Music Academy at age 3. He currently participates in sixth grade band at Boyce Middle School, led by Mr. Craig Madge.

The Crescendo International Music Competition is open to students ages 5-22. The first round of the competition includes a live or video recording evaluation. Successful candidates are invited to perform in the second round at recitals in New York City; Toronto; Philadelphia; Rockport, Mass.; and Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich. Competition diplomas are issued following the second round.

Students have the opportunity to win monetary prizes ranging from $150 for third place to $1,000 for the grand prize. Decisions on monetary awards are based on accumulated audition score, composition complexity and contestant’s artistic maturity.

Crescendo International Music Competition is a youth music competition held annually since 2007. Its mission is to inspire individuals to pursue their passion for music through involvement in competitions, master classes and other educational programs.