Music Major Wins Prestigious Competition

Jaylan Jones, junior flute performance major at McNeese State University, was recently named the winner of the young adult division of the Rapides Symphony Concerto competition. Held in Alexandria, this biannual competition is intended to inspire and encourage developing instrumentalists on winds, percussion and strings. 

As the winner of the young adult division, Jones was awarded a cash prize of $1,000 and the opportunity to perform his concerto, “Poem” for flute and orchestra by American composer Charles Griffes, with the Rapides Symphony Orchestra in its “Fountain of Youth” Concert at the Coughlin-Sanders Performing Arts Center in Alexandria.

“The experience was truly amazing,” Jones says. “Being able to play with an orchestra of this caliber has given me a chance to remember why I love music so much.”

Currently principal flute in the McNeese Wind Symphony and the McNeese Symphonic Band, Jones says that it was the mentorship of faculty at McNeese, especially that of Associate Professor of Music Dr. Judy Hand, that has helped him succeed in the classroom and professionally.

“Dr. Hand has been so supportive of me and everything I’ve learned comes from her,” he says.  “McNeese has given me a variety of different opportunities to thrive as a musician, whether those opportunities be through the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Marching Band or the Flute Studio, and that makes me a proud musician and an even more proud Cowboy. Geaux Pokes!”