Nicholas Chona
Nicolas Chona began his studies on the clarinet at the age of 10, in 2002. He is currently a senior at The Woodlands High School and studies with Richard Nunemaker, his primary teacher since 2005.
Nicolas has been a member of the TMEA Region 9 All-Region Band since 2005, earning 1st chair three times, and a three time member of the TMEA Region 9 All-Region Orchestra, earning 1st chair twice. Nicolas has also been a three-time member of the TMEA Texas All-State groups.
In 2008 he was in the 5A Symphonic Band, in 2009 he played as a member of the Philharmonic Orchestra, and in 2010 he was a member of the Symphony Orchestra, placing 3rd overall in clarinet.
Nicolas was a finalist in the Symphony North of Houston’s Young Artist Competition as a freshman in 2007 and the winner in 2010. He was also a two-time finalist in the Houston Symphony League Concerto Competition (2008 & 2009). Nicolas has also done consistently well in The Woodlands High School Chamber Music Festival, placing 1st in 2008.
He has also been a member of the Houston Youth Symphony, performing with its most advanced orchestra, the Symphony, for the past four years. Nicolas also helped premiere the Houston Youth Symphony’s successful, new chamber music program this year, performing outreach recitals at places like The Forum retirement community and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
In the fall of 2010, he will attend Rice University, where plans to major in clarinet performance and study with Dr. Michael Webster.