A Homer 7th grader, Jimmy Gao, won first prize in the Intermediate II Division at the Alaska Piano Competition. At the competition on May 4 for young pianists through grade 12 and sponsored by the University of Alaska Anchorage, Gao performed works by Beethoven, Schumann and Bartok. 

The judge selected his performance of Schumann’s “Mignon” Op. 68, No. 35 for the Winners’ Recital on May 5. A student of Joel Pietsch at the Harbor School of Music & Dance, Gao performs at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Mariner Theatre for the school’s end-of-year recital.

Homeschooled through the Connections program, Gao also is raising funds to further his musical education through the Go Fund Me online fundraising site. Information on his proposal and videos of his performances, including at the Alaska Piano Competition, are at www.gofundme.com/JimmyGao.