Fine Arts Center Announces National Honors for Three Students

The Fine Arts Center (FAC) is celebrating the extraordinary national recognition of three of its students, underscoring the school’s commitment to artistic excellence and the transformative power of arts education.

Two Students Selected for National Youth Orchestra-USA

FAC students Dylan Goldbach, senior percussionist (Hillcrest High School, All-Day FAC student), and Sara Miller, junior violinist (Wade Hampton High School), have successfully auditioned for National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America (NYO-USA), the nation’s premier youth orchestra.

Presented by Carnegie Hall through its Weill Music Institute, NYO-USA brings together outstanding young musicians ages 16–19 from across the country for a free summer program. Following a rigorous national audition process, selected students participate in an intensive training residency with leading professional orchestra musicians before embarking on an international tour as cultural ambassadors to some of the world’s great music capitals.

Selection to NYO-USA is one of the highest honors available to high school musicians in the United States. Goldbach and Miller join an elite group of performers recognized not only for technical mastery, but also for artistry, leadership, and dedication.

Their achievement also highlights the strength of FAC’s faculty. Percussion Instructor Wesley Strasser has now had three students selected for NYO-USA during his 6.5 years at FAC — an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects both his mentorship and the caliber of the percussion program. Miller studies chamber music with FAC Strings Instructor Jennifer John, whose leadership continues to shape award-winning young artists.

Students Named Jack Kent Cooke Scholars through From the Top Fellows

In additional national news, FAC students Dylan Goldbach and Taylor-Marie Robinson have been named recipients of the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Artist Award as Fellows of From the Top. From the Top, distributed by NPR, features the astounding performances and captivating personal stories of talented classically trained young musicians from across the country. Broadcast on more than 200 stations nationwide, From the Top is the most popular one-hour weekly syndicated classical program on public radio.

Each year, only 20 young musicians nationwide are selected for this highly competitive scholarship, which supports advanced musical study and artistic development. The award recognizes exceptional talent, achievement, and unmet financial need, and connects recipients to a national network of performance and mentorship opportunities.

That two FAC students were selected among just 20 national recipients speaks to the depth of talent within the school’s music department and the sustained excellence of its students and faculty.

 “These achievements represent more than individual accolades,” said FAC Director, Vee Popat. “They reflect years of disciplined study, inspired teaching, and a community that believes in the power of the arts. We are immensely proud of Dylan, Sara, and Taylor-Marie for representing Greenville and the Fine Arts Center on the national stage.”