OC Register Names Seven IUSD Students as Semifinalists for Artist of the Year

Orange County Artist of the Year Semi-Finalists

The OC Register recently announced the semifinalists for Artist of the Year – seven IUSD students have been selected as semi-finalists for their respective art disciplines. Each year, junior or senior high school students across the county can either apply for or a teacher may submit a nominationin the categories of theater, dance, instrumental music, vocal music, film, handcrafted visual arts and computer-assisted visual arts.

Overall, 112 semifinalists were chosen by a panel of arts teachers from among 892 nominees based on applications, performance videos, art portfolios, film samples and artistic résumés. The seven disciplines are further divided into specialties and divisions. 

Dance

  • Michelle Lu, Junior, Portola High School, Classical ballet

Film and TV

  • Noah Villanueva, Junior, Northwood High School, Directing

Fine Arts

  • Jihoo Yoon, Junior, Northwood High School, Painting
  • Yunseo Kwon, Senior, Portola High School, Painting
  • Grace Feng, Junior, Portola High School, 3D

Instrumental Music

  • Paul Gong, Senior, Northwood High School, Classical; Instrument: Double bass
  • Lucas Nguyen, Junior, Northwood High School, Classical; Instrument: Violin

Out of the 112 semifinalists, up to 28 finalists will be identified, four representing each specialty. On Wednesday, May 8, seven students will be announced as the 2024 OC Register Artists of the Year. 

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