Phoenixville trombone player

Brian Cole, a Phoenixville resident in his senior year at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, spent a week in Miami last month thanks to his trombone skills.

Cole was one of 141 finalists, selected from 7,300 applicants, in the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts' youngARTS program. YoungARTS finalists spent Jan. 8-13 working with each other and with faculty from across the country in Miami, with all expenses paid by the NFAA.

"It was absolutely incredible, the amount of talent there was amazing," said Cole. "At first it was intimidating, but you can learn so much from other performers."

As if an all-expenses-paid trip to Miami in January wasn't enough, the NFAA also awarded many of the kids with cash prizes for their performances, with awards ranging as high as $10,000 for the top six finalists. Cole was a Level III winner, earning him a check for $1,000.