SPOTLIGHT ON PIANIST LANGSTON HUMPHREY

Winner of the 2026 Stuart Horrell Memorial Scholarship

Appearing on our final concert of the 25-26 season will be 15- year old Langston Humphrey as piano soloist in the 3rd Movement of the Haydn Piano Concerto in D Major. Music plays a big part in this Lakota West High School Freshman’s life. In addition to his piano studies, he plays alto saxophone in the Concert Band, Marching Band and Jazz Band. His band experience began in 6th grade; then he saw a video of a pianist that he thought was “neat” and the piano became a new musical pursuit.

Let’s get to know a little more about Langston......

Is there a pianist who inspires you? “ Yes, Yuja Wang, playing Rachmaninoff. “

Do you have a favorite composer(s) and piece(s)? “ The Khachaturian Sonatina and Toccata and Chopin’s last Nocturne.”

What is the most difficult piece you have learned so far? “The Khachaturian Sonatina”

Is there a concerto you would like to play in the future? “ Beethoven’s 1st Piano Concerto.”

What is your practice routine like? “ 30-60 minutes a day, beginning with scales, then slower songs, then move on to the concerto.”

You are on the Varsity Bowling Team and working toward earning your Eagle Scout Badge.

How do you find time for all these activities plus your music? “ The jazz band meets everyday during school hours, and I try to do all my homework at school.”

Eagle Scout project? “Either making an obstacle course wall for my Dad’s ROTC class, OR building bat houses for the Cincinnati Nature Center.”

Favorite subject in school? “Biology.”

Hobbies? “Fishing and hunting.”

Do you think you will pursue a musical career? “Yes, maybe....”

A Few Words from Langston’s Teacher

“Since Langston began studying piano with me in September of 2023, he has made astounding progress.

He has met each new challenge with courage and enthusiasm. His natural facility and innate musicality

became abundantly clear when we started working on this Haydn Concerto. Within a couple of months

he had learned and memorized all three movements. Most students learn the first movement and move

on. It is a privilege and a joy to work with Langston. I am humbled by his talent and am tremendously

proud of this fine young man.”

Melissa Toedtman

The Toedtman School of Music

A final question: Are you looking forward to playing with the Mason Symphony Orchestra?

“Yes!”

And we can’t wait to hear him! Sunday, April 26th at 4:00 pm Resurrection Methodist Church in

Mason Ohio.