37th Annual Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition

Chance Park and Elijah Marrewa, are among the thirteen winners of the 2026 Yamaha Young Performing Artists (YYPA) Competition presented by Yamaha Corporation of America. The YYPA Program recognizes and awards exceptional young musicians studying in the United States who excel in the genres of jazz, classical, and contemporary music and are recognized as outstanding musicians with remarkable talent, technical skill and artistry in performance on their chosen instrument.

Chance Parker, a first-year undergraduate, is being recognized for his percussion skills. In 2025, he reached the GPIMC finals and finished 3rd. He also performed with the TMEA All-State Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestra in 2024 and 2025 through the Texas audition process and is now performing with ensembles at Eastman.

Elijah Marrewa, an undergraduate at the University of North Texas studying under Quincy Davis and Jose Aponte, is gaining recognition for his percussion skills.He has performed with UNT’s OneO’Clock Lab Band and has become a popular musician in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, appreciated for his versatility in Jazz, Funk, R&B, New Orleans second line, and various Afro-Caribbean styles.

“The 2026 Yamaha Young Performing Artists Celebration promises to be one of the most extraordinary events in the history of the YYPA Program! Each winner is remarkably talented and will bring something unique to the celebration,” said John Wittmann, associate vice president of artist relations. “The winners collaborate and perform a program they have put together specifically for this very unique concert, including some original pieces, and it is truly magical. The YYPA winners have earned this recognition and the YYPA Celebration Weekend, which includes a once-in-a-lifetime musical experience and workshops designed especially for them, will not soon be forgotten. Yamaha remains committed to music education and the YYPA Program is one way we will continue to help guide young musicians to rewarding careers. It is exciting and truly, deeply fulfilling to us.”

The YYPA Program has been an essential platform for Yamaha to engage with and celebrate young, talented musicians. This competition has honored more than 300 outstanding artists, many of whom have built successful careers as performers and educators. Notable past winners include Alexa Tarantino, saxophonist with The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra; Carol Jantsch, Principal Tubist of The Philadelphia Orchestra; and Paul Cornish, Blue Note Recording Artist and pianist with Joshua Redman.

The winners will perform for a unique audience, receive national media coverage, and participate in workshops to launch their professional music careers. Additionally, the 2026 winners will benefit from services and support from Yamaha Artist Relations, including professional audio and video recordings and photography of their live performances. This exceptional experience promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the winners to establish themselves within the music industry.

To learn more about the Yamaha Young Performing Artists Program and the winners, visit https://yamaha.io/YYPA.