Hitting the Notes: the BEAR quartet wins MASTA Chamber Musical Festival

Setting the standards high for future orchestra ensembles, junior Owen Wingate and seniors Seth Martin, Tylar Jacobs and Ryan Lokey won first place at the Michigan Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (MASTA) Chamber Music Festival on March 3 at Michigan State University.

The music festival was a competition between chamber ensembles from across Michigan. The BEAR quartet played String Quartet in G Major by Florence Prince, an African American composer whose work has recently become popular. Coached by Steve Reed from the Fischoff Chamber Music Academy, Seth, Ryan, Tyler and Owen trained consistently, making sure they were fully prepared to perform. 

Tyler Jacobs, 12, Ryan Lokey, 12, Owen Wingate, 11, and Seth Martin, 12 pose for a picture at the MSBOA 2026 Honors Recital. 

Photo by Mr. Burke Lokey

Not only did they have Steve Reed by their side, they also had Mr. Burke Lokey, St. Joseph High School Orchestra Director. 

“Tyler, Seth, Owen, and Ryan are some of the top musicians in the school, individually they have earned top ratings at solo festivals and All-State honors. They play very well together, but the best part of watching them is seeing the strong connection that the four of them have,” he said. 

For the four, it was never about just winning the competition, it was also about forming memories and strengthening their friendship. 

“Being in the Bear Quartet helped me feel like I could be a part of a team in music with other people similarly skilled, and I also learned how to adapt to them better. The fact that they were all my friends made trips to performances and classes really fun,” Tyler said.

However, after winning the Chamber Music Festival, they also performed at the MSBOA Spring Honors Recital at Oakland University in Detroit and attended and performed at many masterclasses, including a masterclass with the Verona String Quartet.