Alumni Stories
Joe - NYSO member from 2016-2022
- Instrument: Cello
- Since graduating from NYSO: I am studying Cello Performance at Illinois State University.
- Still playing your instrument? I am involved in numerous performing and teaching engagements at ISU and throughout the Bloomington-Normal Community. I am the principal cellist of the Illinois State Symphony Orchestra, a member of the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra, Millikin Decatur Symphony Orchestra, an active chamber musician and private teacher, and a teaching assistant through the Illinois State String Project program. I am currently taking auditions to pursue my masters degree in Cello Performance!
- Favorite NYSO memory: Having the opportunity to solo with NYSO after winning the concerto competition was such a full circle moment. After working with Mrs. Richter for many years, to play a concerto with her orchestral direction was an unforgettable experience.
- Message to NYSO: Savor every moment! Having the opportunity to play in an ensemble like this is a truly incredible experience that most people will never experience in their lifetime.
Julie - NYSO member from 2022-2023
- Instrument: Alto Flute
- Since graduating from NYSO: I am in my third year at the University of Iowa, pursuing a B.A. in Art History and certificate in Museum Studies. Go Hawks!
- Still playing your instrument? I play the piccolo as a proud member of the Hawkeye Marching Band, and I still make music with my sisters in Sigma Alpha Iota, an international music fraternity for women.
- Favorite NYSO memory: My favorite memory is playing with the NYSO Flute Choir at the National Flute Association's 50th Anniversary Convention in Chicago.
Madison - NYSO member from 2022-2025
- Instrument: Oboe
- Since graduating from NYSO: I am in my first year at the Eastman School of Music, majoring in oboe performance.
- Still playing your instrument? I am playing in orchestra, wind ensemble, and chamber concerts. I’ve been really into baroque music lately and am learning the baroque oboe this semester.
- Favorite NYSO memory: I don’t think I have one specific favorite memory, but the friendships I made through this orchestra are some that I hope to keep for the rest of my life. Being in a section/orchestra with people who support you and that you feel like you can talk to as more than just peers is very special.
- Message to NYSO: NYSO was a fundamental part of my musical journey that taught me how to play in an orchestra, how to play expressively and beautifully, and how to be confident even if I’m nervous. Learn all you can from your peers/upperclassmen, and don’t be afraid to play out.
Zach- NYSO member from 2018-2024
- Instrument: Tuba
- Since graduating from NYSO: I am studying Tuba Performance at Frost School of Music (University of Miami). Part of a full scholarship undergrad brass quintet as a Stamps Fellow.
- Still playing your instrument? I am currently applying to summer festivals such as Music Academy of the West and Eastern Festival of Music. I am also preparing to apply to Fischoff Chamber Competition with Stamps Brass Quintet, take the Fort Wayne Philharmonic tuba audition in May and possibly also the Toronto Symphony audition in June
- Favorite NYSO memory: Playing Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4
- Message to NYSO: Thanks for giving me a high level medium to perform in and practice for as a tubist
Zack- NYSO member from 2020-2022
- Instrument: Bassoon
- Since graduating from NYSO: I am finishing up my degree in music education at Baylor University
- Still playing your instrument? I have played in the Baylor Symphony Orchestra throughout many cities and the Baylor Wind Ensemble, most recently at the Midwest Clinic last December!
- Favorite NYSO memory: NYSO gave me my first experience of playing in a chamber group! My favorite memories were rehearsing with my quintet and bassoon trio. I learned how much I enjoyed chamber playing and the amazing people and friends I got to spend time with.
- Message to NYSO: Conductors, thank you for pouring into us and supporting us as young musicians. Your care and the way you cultivated such a positive environment still guides me and my teaching philosophy as I become a music educator.
Ariyo - NYSO member from 2016-2023
- Instrument: Cello
- Since graduating from NYSO: At North Central College studying Spanish and Jazz studies
- Still playing your instrument? I’m in the Orchestra and Jazz Combo at North Central College. I also have my own group called Unidad Akinyemi that plays Latin music. I am also a NYSO intern.
- Favorite NYSO memory: Playing almost the entire nutcracker suite was my favorite part of NYSO
Paul - NYSO member from 2024-2025
- Instrument: Double Bass
- Since graduating from NYSO: I go to the University of South Carolina, majoring in Finance and International Business with a minor in Spanish! I have been involved in numerous athletic groups (Club XC and Beach Volleyball).
- Still playing your instrument? Recently I’ve also been working on getting involved with the USC Symphony Orchestra. Each morning I walk about 10 minutes to the School of Music and practice early before all of my classes.
- Favorite NYSO memory: I really loved playing Pictures at Exhibition and Shostakovich 9th. I just love the environment that NYSO offered. So much meaningful musical development and beautiful art. Definitely made me a much more well rounded individual with a diverse background.
- Message to NYSO: Just have fun and do it right! If you’re not having fun...you’re not doing it right!!
Maria - NYSO member from 2016-2018
- Instrument: French Horn
- Since graduating from NYSO: Went to college at the University of Washington in Seattle, worked in a biotech startup, and started my PhD in plant biology at UC Davis
- Still playing your instrument? I played in the Husky Marching Band at UW and got to go to the Rose Bowl! Since graduating college and moving to California, I've been a member of Yolo Community Band.
- Favorite NYSO memory: I loved our Halloween concert at Wentz- hearing the DuPage Symphony play Harry Potter was so magical, and dressing up with my section was so much fun.
- Message to NYSO: Symphonic orchestras have some of the most beautiful music, but are difficult to find in the real world, especially if you aren't a professional musician. NYSO is a very special opportunity - enjoy it! Also, love and miss you Kim ♥️♥️♥️
Caleb - NYSO member from 2017-2024
- Instrument: Violin
- Since graduating from NYSO: Wheaton College Conservatory as a Music Major
- Still playing your instrument? I am the Concertmaster of Wheaton College Symphony Orchestra and part of a chamber group
- Favorite NYSO memory: Pictures at an Exhibition was my favorite piece ever.
- Message to NYSO: Thank you for helping me be prepared to lead in orchestra through many years of working in NYSO.
Kayla - NYSO member from 2021-2023
- Instrument: Trumpet
- Since graduating from NYSO: I am getting a BS in cybersecurity from Purdue University
- Still playing? Playing in Purdue University's All-American Marching Band, Boiler Brass basketball band, and concert bands
- Favorite NYSO memory: Playing Rhapsody in Blue with NYSO was one of the most incredible musical experiences I've ever had.
- Message to NYSO: I want to thank the directors for introducing me to the world of orchestral music---NYSO was my first experience playing with a full orchestra, and it was so incredible.
Lauryn - NYSO Member from 2018-2022
- Instrument: Cello
- Since graduating from NYSO: I’m a senior majoring in nursing with a minor in Spanish at Illinois Wesleyan University
- Still playing? I play in my university’s symphony and with the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra this year as well. I also do chamber music and whatever pit orchestra opportunities arise (both opera and musicals).
- Favorite NYSO memory: I’ll never forget everything Mrs Richter did to get us back to playing in person during COVID! It was really meaningful to me to be able to have some sense of consistency and community when other things were so uncertain.
Ethan - NYSO Member 2017-2021, NYSO Intern from 2021-2025
- Instrument: Trumpet
- Since graduating from NYSO: I am pursuing a Master’s degree in trumpet performance
- Still playing? I play in Playing with the DuPage Symphony Orchestra and campus ensembles.
- Something to Share with NYSO : The time here flies by… enjoy it while you can!