MURRIETA – Three local-area high schoolers took top prizes in Murrieta Rotary’s annual music contest held on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at the Salvation Army Center. Winners in the contest will move to district competitions this spring. The contest was held at the Salvation Army Murrieta Community Center and attracted 10 contestants.

Claire Howard, a sophomore at Inspire Charter School, took first prize playing Impromptu No. 3 in Gb Major by Franz Shubert on her piano. Her music teacher is YiYi Ku. First price earned Claire $400. As the first place winner, Claire will move onto the district competition.

Second place went to Fiona Harley, a Great Oak High School junior, on the piano and playing Liebestraum No. 3 in Ab Major by F. Liszt. Here music teacher is YiYi Ku. Harley earned $250 for her second place.

Faith Zoe Sardilla, a junior at Murrieta Mesa, playing the flute took third place with La Flute de Pan by Jules Mouquet. Her music teacher is Kate Prestia-Schaub. Third place paid $100.

“We had an amazing group of 10 students competing and the results were very close,” said Kelly Orchard, who chaired the music contest. “We are very thankful for the work the judges put into this, and we are confident that those moving into the advanced contests will do very well.”

Judges for the Murrieta Rotary contest were Jason Brawner, Platinum record producer, John Brown, Murrieta Rotary; Vivien Gaines, singer and vocal coach, and Savannah Leighton, award-winning singer/songwriter.