Larsen Young Artist Award Runner Up
RUNNER-UP: THOMAS ANDREW GRAUL, DOUBLE BASS
Thomas Graul lives in Lincoln and studies bass with Michael Swartz. He is principal bassist in the Lincoln Southeast High School Orchestra where he will be a sophomore and is a member of the Lincoln Youth Symphony. He is pianist in the Varsity Jazz Band at Southeast and is a member of the First Plymouth Youth Orchestra. He sings in the Lincoln Boys Choir and was selected to participate in "Sing Around Nebraska."
Thomas was a finalist in the All City Talent Competition and participated in the International Society of Bassists Youth Competition in San Francisco and the American String Teachers Association Competition. He serves as a summer camp counselor for the String Alliance in Lincoln (SAIL), and was principal bassist in both Lincoln's Junior Youth Orchestra and the Youth Ensemble of Strings.
In addition to making music Thomas is an active athlete as a member of Southeast's swim team, earning a varsity letter and qualifying for the State Meet. He is a member of the cross country team at Southeast, and a USA Swimming Club member, earning top honors in several events.
In 2012, Thomas was chosen to volunteer for the USA Swimming Olympic Trials, and was an escort for swimming athletes in the Special Olympic Games in July, 2010. He holds a Life Rank in the Boy Scouts of America.