The Orange County Register is proud to announce the winning students of its 12th annual Artist of the Year competition.

The seven Artists of the Year — selected in the disciplines of dance, theater, film and TV, fine arts, media arts, instrumental music and vocal music — were among a record field of 923 students nominated by Orange County schools, private instructors and arts organizations. Another 29 students were recognized as finalists.

Panels of arts teachers narrowed the nominees to 112 semifinalists, who then performed for and were interviewed by arts professionals and faculty members from Southern California colleges, who then chose the Artists of the Year and the finalists. Artist of the Year coverage begins on Page A23.