Local Talent Named Hershey Symphony Young Artist Competition Winner

HERSHEY, PA - The Hershey Symphony Orchestra named Hilary Zirkle the 2007-08 Young Artist Competition winner at its eighth annual Young Artist Competition on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, Zug Recital Hall, Elizabethtown College, PA.   The six finalists competed for the $1,000 scholarship sponsored by Charles Turner of Turners and Associates of Hershey, and Hilary Zirkle, on clarinet, was named this year�s winner.  Ms. Zirkle will have the opportunity to perform with the Hershey Symphony during its 2008-09 season.
From Boiling Springs, PA, YAC Winner clarinetist Hilary Zirkle is a junior at Cumberland Valley High School.  She is a member of the National Honor Society and National Foreign Language Society.  Hilary has been playing clarinet for 5 years, and is studying under Dr. Richard Klinedinst. In school, Hilary is involved in the Symphonic Winds ensemble, orchestra, and musical pit orchestra. Last year, she was principal chair in District, Regional, and All-State Band, and became an honorary member of the Army Field Band. Since 2005, Hilary has been a member of the Harrisburg Youth Symphony Orchestra. Outside of school, she enjoys solo work at Market Square Presbyterian Church and Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church. Hilary�s favorite past time is playing duets with Dr. Klinedinst.  Hilary Zirkle was just accepted at the Pennsylvania Governor�s School of the Arts.

The purpose of the Hershey Symphony Orchestra Society is to foster, promote and increase the musical knowledge and appreciation of the general public and volunteer musicians, by operating and maintaining a symphony orchestra and presenting performances of music.  For more information, please call (717) 533-8449 or visit our website at www.hersheysymphony.org.