Being a part of the New York Youth Symphony Orchestra for part of the 2014-2015 season and the 2015-2016 season, the Chamber Music Program for the 2014-2015 season, and Composition for the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 seasons have helped me grow tremendously as a bassoonist, contrabassoonist, composer, and musician.

Last year as a part of the chamber music program, I pushed myself and felt myself grow tremendously as a chamber musician. Although playing at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall was certainly an incredibly experience, the most life changing experience I had with the program was playing an outreach concert at Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital. Performing that concert with my woodwind quintet helped me learn about the impact music has and truly changed my life.

The orchestra is very special to me. I have attended NYYS orchestra concerts in the past and always wanted to be a part of this group, so now being in the orchestra is a dream come true! Performing at Carnegie Hall and working with Maestro Gersen is amazing. I’ve been fortunate to perform some of the greatest pieces of music – from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony to Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite – on one of the world’s greatest stages. The orchestra has helped me grow as both a bassoonist and contrabassoonist as well, which I am very fortunate to be held to high standards on both instruments.

My favorite part of NYYS is the composition program. Without a doubt, I would not be where I am today as a composer without NYYS Composition, Kyle Blaha, and Tim Mauthe. This program is the highlight of my week. Between working with Dr. Blaha and Tim, the other talented students in the program, talking about music, and hearing from guest artists, I have grown so much as a composer. NYYS composition has really helped me come out of my shell and become more passionate and confident as a composer. I know I would not have as many opportunities as a composer or have started private lessons with my teacher, Dr. Sosa at Juilliard Pre-College, without the encouragement I received in this program.

I am truly grateful to have had all the opportunities I have had through NYYS. I look forward to growing more with NYYS as a continue through high school and I am excited to see where else music takes me!