2026 Young Artist Competition January 24, 2026
Sponsored by The Black Hills Symphony League
Senior Division
- Diane Ketel Prize Winner - Rachael Bunger, violin
- Runner-up -- Logan Stone, cello
- Honorable Mention -- Connor Stuck, violin
Junior Division
- Winner -- Maksim Mullin, flute
- Runner-up Kili Cole, cello
- Honorable Mention -- Rylee Knispel, clarinet
Rachael Bunger, violin
Diane Ketel Prize Winner
Rachael Bunger, violin
Rachael began playing the violin at the age of nine after watching her older brother and deciding it looked like fun—an interest that quickly grew into one of her greatest passions. She began her studies with Katie Sprague and later continued her training through the Suzuki Program with Amanda Swartz, our concertmaster here at the Black Hills Symphony Orchestra. She has been actively involved in school orchestra since 6th grade and is currently a junior at Stevens High School.
A dedicated orchestral musician, Rachael has participated in the South Dakota All-State Orchestra since middle school and was selected as concertmaster for the J. Laiten Weed Honors Orchestra in 2025. She won the Dakota Chamber Orchestra Soloist Competition in 2024, making her debut with Mozart Violin Concerto No. 4, 1st Movement. A former two-time first place winner of the junior division of the BHSO Young Artist Competition, she joined the Black Hills Symphony Orchestra as a student member last season.
Beyond performance, Rachael is passionate about sharing music with others. Alongside her friend Evita Coleman, she teaches free violin lessons through a local chapter of Music No Boundaries, combining her love of music with community service. She has also attended several music camps, including the Medora Music Academy, where she performed Monti's Czardas as a soloist with the festival orchestra.
Rachael enjoys baking, drawing, painting, and reading in her free time. Violin, however, is her favorite hobby, as she views music as one of the most beautiful aspects of God’s creation. She is very grateful for the opportunity to share that gift.
Diane Ketel
Starting in 2024, the Senior Division Winner of the Young Artist Competition will receive the "Diane Ketel Prize."
The Black Hills Symphony and the Black Hills Symphony League wanted to recognize and honor Diane's extraordinary service to the Young Artist Competition since its inception in 1978.
Beginning with the very first year of the Young Artist Competition, Diane has been accompanying the majority of Young Artist participants. This requires a great deal of preparation, virtuosic playing, and musical ability for each accompaniment that she prepares.
Students, parents and teachers remark that she treats every student with kindness, empathy and respect. Diane always takes the time to explain how the piano score integrates with the solo and helps students understand the complexities of their pieces and how accompaniments can enhance their performances. She is both honest and encouraging to every young person who walks in her door. We hope and expect that she will continue to accompany many students in the years to come.
Diane is principal keyboard with the Black Hills Symphony Orchestra and has performed as a guest artist with the BHSO on several occasions.
She has maintained a successful private piano studio since 1970, and has served as accompanist for many local and visiting artists, including the South Dakota All State Chorus and countless Young Artist Competition students. Currently organist at First United Methodist Church, she holds degrees from Dakota Wesleyan University and University of Oregon with special study at Chautauqua Institution and membership in Music Teachers National Association and the local affiliates.
Diane and her husband, Ken Ketel, have been active in supporting the Black Hills Symphony.
