Local high schoolers selected for the semifinals in performing arts contest

The Music Center of Los Angeles County announced 91 high school students who were chosen as performing arts semifinalists for the 19th annual Music Center Spotlight Awards.

The students were selected from more than 1,155 Southern California applicants who auditioned in ballet, nonclassical dance, classical voice, nonclassical voice, classical instrumental and jazz instrumental music.

The area semifinalists are:

Agoura Hills: A.J. Holmes, nonclassical voice, 12th grade, Agoura High School; Ryan Greenfield, jazz instrumental, 9th grade, Los Angeles County High School for the Arts.

Camarillo: Katie Young, nonclassical voice, 11th grade, Newbury Park High School.

Moorpark: Elizabeth Nicks, nonclassical dance, 12th grade, Moorpark High School.

Oak Park: Andrew Karl, nonclassical voice, 11th grade, Oak Park High School.

Simi Valley: Erica Howerton, nonclassical dance, 9th grade, Agoura High School; Lexi Howerton, ballet, 11th grade, Agoura High School; Jennifer Liu, classical instrumental, 9th grade, Oak Park High School.

Thousand Oaks: Erika Binsley, classical instrumental, 11th grade, Westlake High School.

Westlake Village: Gary Chan, classical instrumental, 11th grade, Agoura High School; Emiko Flanagan, ballet, 12th grade, Agoura High School; London O'Donnell, nonclassical dance, 12th grade, Agoura High School.