Stephen F. Austin State University

A Nacogdoches musician has been selected to participate in the Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro, NC.

Fahad Awan, the 17-year-old son of Shakoor and Habiba Awan, has been playing violin since age 4. He began attending Nacogdoches High School at age 12, was the 12th ranked tennis player in the state at age 13, and began attending classes at Stephen F. Austin State University full time at age 16.

Even though he was younger than most of his classmates, Awan was selected as assistant concertmaster for the university’s Orchestra of the Pines, a regional orchestra including faculty, student and guest musicians.

The North Carolina festival brings together a cross-section of America’s most sought-after artists with pre-professional students in a five-week schedule of 100 concerts and music-related events.

“This is quite an honor for Fahad, as this festival auditions nationally and only accepts about 50 violinists from all over the country,” said Dr. Jennifer Dalmas, SFA assistant professor of violin and viola. “The general level of musicianship will be very high and should provide a really stimulating, exciting environment for the serious music student.”

In 2006, 800 hopeful musicians from 37 states and seven foreign countries submitted applications to be a part of the 200-piece orchestra.

Dalmas said Awan, now a sophomore physics major at SFA, will be playing a professional-level orchestral repertoire at the festival and learning about performing both orchestral music and chamber music, which is written to be performed by smaller groups of musicians.

“Eastern Music Festival is quite prestigious, and will feature guest artists such as violinists Sarah Chang and Hilary Hahn,” she said. “This type of festival with its intense schedule, master class opportunities and highly charged musical atmosphere can really help a student move to the next level in their playing. It’s a great opportunity for Fahad.”