YSC 2025 – 2026 Winners
First Place Winner
Eric Sigalov – Alto Saxophone
Eric Sigalov is a senior at Montgomery High School, where he has been studying both the alto saxophone and piano for eight years. He has performed at prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall and Merkin Hall, and has been selected for the New Jersey All-State Band and Central Jersey Region Band. In 2025, Eric placed second in the United States Navy Band Young Artist Solo Competition and had the opportunity to perform at the Washington Navy Yard. He was also named the winner of the Eastern Division MTNA Competition and was invited to compete in the MTNA National Conference in Chicago. His recognitions also include a 2026 National YoungArts Award in Classical Music/Saxophone, selection as a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts candidate, and a featured performance at the High School Honors Recital during the US Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium. Eric has earned Distinction on all ABRSM exams through Grade 8 for both instruments. At his high school, Eric is an active jazz band and pit orchestra member, performing on the alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones. Outside of school, he performs in hospitals and senior centers, where he enjoys sharing music and connecting with others. Beyond music, Eric co-created Chemistutor, a chemistry learning platform with over 300,000 followers across social media, where he helps make science more accessible and engaging for students around the world.
Second Place Winner
Richard Torrente – Marimba
Richard Torrente is a senior at Randolph High School in New Jersey. He has played percussion for 5 years including playing with the NJSMA Region 1 Wind Ensemble, NJAB Area 1 Wind Ensemble, and the Eastern Wind Symphony Youth Band. When not practicing or performing, Richard is greatly invested in mathematical studies. He is a member of his school’s chapter of the National Mathematics Honor Society. Upon entering college, Richard plans to pursue dual-major in Percussion Performance and Applied Mathematics.
Third Place Winner
Vincent Park – Alto Saxophone
Vincent Park is a junior at Northern Valley Regional High School in Demarest and a resident of Closter, New Jersey. His musical journey began at the age of six with piano, and he discovered his passion for the saxophone toward the end of elementary school, joining his school band shortly thereafter. In middle school, Vincent earned first chair in both the Bergen County and North Jersey Regional Bands, showcasing his early talent and dedication.
During his freshman year, he met and began working with his saxophone instructor Jaehyuk Lee. In may of his freshmen year he was accepted into the prestigious Manhattan School of Music Precollege Division, where he currently studies classical saxophone under Dr. Wonki Lee.
This year, Vincent was selected for both the North Jersey Regional Band and the New Jersey All-State Band, continuing to distinguish himself at the regional and state levels. At school, Vincent is an active member of the jazz band, wind ensemble, and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. His achievements include first prize in the various International Music Competitions and the among others. 2025 summer, Vincent will attend the Boston University Tanglewood Institute’s Saxophone Workshop, where he hopes to deepen his musical expertise and continue growing as a performer.
Vincent will be attending the MPulse Saxophone Institute at the University of Michigan School of Music this coming summer.