During rehearsals for opening night of the 2011/12 season, we asked the orchestra to answer a few questions to provide our audiences with a bit more information about the outstanding musicians that comprise this year’s ensemble.
The answers to those questions are listed below (in alphabetical order). We’ll be updating this page as we get more responses, so be sure to check back soon!
Michael Armstrong, piano, 25
Hometown: Sunland, CA
1. How were you introduced to your instrument?
I was born into a family of professional musicians. I can’t remember the first time I played so I must have been pretty young!
2. What made you want to join AYS?
I had an opportunity to sit in and play a rehearsal for the John Williams concert that we did a few years ago. I really enjoyed playing with the orchestra and appreciated the high level of musicianship and interaction.
3. Aside from AYS, what other music programs or groups are you involved with?
I am a church organist, a trumpet player, and a conductor. I conduct my own community orchestra in Westlake Village and I work for a couple youth orchestra programs as a coach/ mentor. I also do a lot of collaborative piano work in addition to orchestra, dance band, and jazz gigs.
4. What has been your most memorable musical experience?
Our John Williams concert really stands out in my mind as a thrilling and unforgettable experience. I am a HUGE lover of film scores, and it was such an honor to perform under the baton of one of the greatest composers alive today.
5. Outside of music, tell us about one of your favorite things to do.
I love to ride motorcycles, read books, and travel travel travel!!!
Isaac Bovyer, cello, 17
CAVA LA | Hometown: Sierra Madre, CA
1. How were you introduced to your instrument?
It was a total accident. I was about 7 years old and attending a rehearsal of the LA Phil in Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. I saw a double bass and I was so intrigued by it I wanted to know what it was. My parents were playing in the rehearsal, so I couldn’t ask them. So I asked a man next to me and he told me it was a cello. So I told my parents that night that I wanted to play cello and they were thrilled. They bought one for me and to my surprise, it wasn’t what I thought it was at all. I didn’t want to be rude and say I didn’t want it, so I stuck with it and sure enough, we have become the best of friends.
2. What made you want to join AYS?
It was sophomore year in high school and I was studying with Peter Stumpf at the time. He jolted me to my current aspirations as a cellist and always told me that I needed to strive for the absolute highest level of music making. At the time, this was really hard, with so much homework and a mediocre arts program. I really wanted to find a youth orchestra that could not only inspire, but also supercharge my love of music and help me to honor my teacher’s wishes. So one day I was practicing at Walt Disney Concert Hall, and I walked into the lounge and saw an AYS program, and right behind me was Maestro Treger. To my surprise, he asked if I would like to be a sub for an AYS concert. I said absolutely, and since then, I auditioned, and AYS has been nothing but a real inspiration for me. It has really fit my aspirations perfectly.
3. Aside from AYS, what other music programs or groups are you involved with?
I am currently a student at the Colburn School for the performing arts.
4. What has been your most memorable musical experience?
My time at the Meadowmount School of music in New York. For seven weeks I lived in monk-like existence, practicing five hours a day along with performing and rehearsing in and for master classes and concerts every week.
5. Outside of music, tell us about one of your favorite things to do.
I really enjoy hiking and biking with family and friends. There’s nothing better than clearing my head than the fresh air of the Mt. Wilson trail above the house.
Gregory Cardi, assistant second violin, 19
Colburn Conservatory
1. How were you introduced to your instrument?
My cousin was playing some theme from Cinderella when I was around 6 years old…I tried the violin out and begged my parents to get one, but they wouldn’t. They eventually came around.
2. What made you want to join AYS?
Maestro Treger is a great influence for me. His expression and musicality brings out an incredible sound from the orchestra. I really like his watch too.
3. Aside from AYS, what other music programs or groups are you involved with?
I’m involved with a bunch of programs here at Colburn: the orchestra, chamber music, and, of course, the Colburn Table Tennis championships.
4. What has been your most memorable musical experience?
I vividly remember playing Mahler’s Second Symphony under Robert Spano at the Aspen Music Festival. Performing the final movement, after listening to it millions of times, was quite the experience.
5. Outside of music, tell us about one of your favorite things to do.
I used to play tennis at around the same level as violin, but I eventually had to choose between the two. Violin offers perspective on life, and increases your life emotionally one thousand fold. Tennis didn’t really do that for me, but that would have definitely been on my top 5 list of things to do. Other then that, I enjoy table tennis, practicing (sometimes), and playing with my 3 Newfoundland dogs.
Matthew Chen, cello, 15
Oaks Christian High School | Hometown: Westlake Village, CA
1. How were you introduced to your instrument?
I was introduced to the cello by my parents. I did not have any sort of passion for music but when I was introduced I fell in love with it.
2. What made you want to join AYS?
My passion for music just recently grew very strong and I had never experienced such an amazing, professional orchestra. I wanted to join AYS because I wanted a professional experience of an orchestra that plays exceptionally.
3. Aside from AYS, what other music programs or groups are you involved with?
Besides AYS I am involved with the Canejo Valley Youth Orchestra, Young Musicians Foundation, and my school’s orchestra.
4. What has been your most memorable musical experience?
My most memorable music experience was when I went to Philadelphia the summer of 2011 for Music Camp. It really sparked my love for music and inspired me to take my music to a level of pursuit.
5. Outside of music, tell us about one of your favorite things to do.
I love to run. I also love to write poetry, be with friends, and participate in representing my school.
Eleanor Dunbar, first violin, 15
Gorman Learning Center | Hometown: San Pedro, CA
1. How were you introduced to your instrument?
My parents started me on the violin when I was 3.
2. What made you want to join AYS?
I admired the professionalism and the repertoire.
3. Aside from AYS, what other music programs or groups are you involved with?
I attend Crossroads theory class and chamber orchestra.
4. What has been your most memorable musical experience?
Getting to perform the entire Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto with a professional orchestra
5. Outside of music, tell us about one of your favorite things to do.
Japanese calligraphy
Allen Fogle, principal horn, 25
USC | Hometown: Augusta, Georgia
1. How were you introduced to your instrument?
When I was about 5 years old, we watched a video in Kindergarten music class made to teach us about all of the instruments in an orchestra. They’d have funny little names for each of the instruments and a cartoon character playing each one in a sort of stereotypical way, like the snake-charming oboe, the sliding trombone, or the joking bassoon, which was the clown of the orchestra. I remember that for the Horn they had a sort of Bohemian girl playing it on top of a mountain and it was supposed to be the most noble of the brass instruments. I remember falling in love with the way it sounded right then and there and it was my first choice once I was old enough to join the school band.
2. What made you want to join AYS?
I remember my teacher at Eastman, Peter Kurau, mentioning several opportunities he had heard about for orchestras that provide good training and performing experience for young musicians who were just beginning their professional careers and about to win a position with a major symphony orchestra. The American Youth Symphony came up in the conversation, and by that time I knew that I was moving to Los Angeles to attend USC. One of my good friends, Rob Schaer, who was principal trumpet of the orchestra at the time, encouraged me to take the upcoming audition for third horn in 2008. Luckily I won the job and it has been one incredible experience after another ever since. Having the opportunity to work with Maestro Treger and so many talented young professionals on a regular basis makes AYS my favorite group in town to play with, even if it happens to be 9AM on Saturday mornings!
3. Aside from AYS, what other music programs or groups are you involved with?
I love to perform chamber music as often as I can. Along with several AYS alumni including flutist Amy Tatum, oboist Jennifer Johnson, and bassoonist Maciej Flis, I perform and tour regularly with the Midnight Wind Quintet. This past year, former AYS hornists Dylan Hart and Annie Bosler, as well as our third horn, JG Miller, and myself formed the Los Angeles Horn Quartet and were selected as finalists for this past year’s Coleman Chamber Music Competition in Pasadena, CA.
4. What has been your most memorable musical experience?
I’ve been lucky enough to have had too many wonderful experiences to narrow it down to just one, but a few that stick out to me are my first concert with the American Youth Symphony (Beethoven’s 9th Symphony), my first concert with AYS as principal horn (Mahler’s 2nd Symphony), and my first performance with the Minnesota Orchestra (Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony).
5. Outside of music, tell us about one of your favorite things to do.
I hope I don’t get into trouble for saying this, since it’s technically a “youth” orchestra, but I really enjoy craft beer. I love going on brewery tours and sampling good examples of the many varieties of beer. I also enjoy being active outdoors with my bicycle and play racquetball every week with our third horn player, JG Miller.
Michelle Hassler, assistant concertmaster, 24
Bob Cole Conservatory, University of Long Beach graduate
1. How were you introduced to your instrument?
I went to a violin recital in which a family friend was performing; my mom asked me if I would like to play and I agreed.
2. What made you want to join AYS?
It was recommended by my violin teacher as the best training orchestra in L.A.
3. Aside from AYS, what other music programs or groups are you involved with?
I graduated in May with my Master’s degree in Violin Performance; while in school I was one of the concertmasters of the CSULB Symphony Orchestra, as well as a violinist in the school’s University String Quartet. Currently I freelance and am preparing for orchestra auditions.
4. What has been your most memorable musical experience?
Both being a semi-finalist in the national Sphinx Competition, as well as my summers at Bowdoin Music Festival.
5. Outside of music, tell us about one of your favorite things to do.
Spend time with my husband.
Conrad Jones, principal trumpet, 22
Colburn Conservatory | Hometown: Sayville, NY
1. How were you introduced to your instrument?
Growing up with parents who were both music teachers, my house was always filled with all sorts of instruments, everything from drums to Hammond B-3 organs. The bugle was my favorite of all those instruments, but my love for he trumpet was secured upon hearing my first Maynard Ferguson record. I remember being instantly hooked when I heard the album Conquistador, which featured his arrangement of the Rocky Theme song.
2. What made you want to join AYS?
I first heard about AYS from alumnus and principal trumpet of the Cleveland Orchestra, Michael Sachs, who has also been one of my most influential teachers. Upon moving to LA this past summer, I became familiar with the prestigious reputation of this orchestra from colleagues and friends around town- it definitely sounded like an amazing group to be a part of!
3. Aside from AYS, what other music programs or groups are you involved with?
In Los Angeles, I also play in the YMF Debut Orchestra, the Colburn Orchestra, and the Colburn Chamber Music Society. I am a member of the Cleveland, OH based groups CityMusic Cleveland (A chamber orchestra), the Blossom Festival Orchestra, FiveOne Music (A new music ensemble), and the Kyodai Brass Quintet.
4. What has been your most memorable musical experience?
Over the years, each and every musical experience that I’ve been lucky enough to have has each meant something different and special to me. Most recently, performing Mahler’s 5th Symphony this past August really stands out. It has always been one of my favorite pieces of music and performing it live for the first time was definitely a surreal experience. On a totally different note, I got to play a set with the brass band Slavic Soul Party this summer at the club Barbes in Brooklyn, NY. They are one of my favorite bands, so it definitely was a memorable experience!
5. Outside of music, tell us about one of your favorite things to do.
I absolutely love playing racquetball. Unfortunately it’s kind of an expensive sport, but when I get the chance to play, I love every minute of it.
Mayumi Kanagawa, concertmaster, 17
Crossroads School/Colburn Academy | Hometown: Los Angeles
1. How were you introduced to your instrument?
My parents both play instruments, and my mom thought my double chin looked like Oistrakh’s when I was a baby…
2. What made you want to join AYS?
A lot of Crossroads peers were in it, and it was a wonderful opportunity for me to play in a large symphony orchestra.
3. Aside from AYS, what other music programs or groups are you involved with?
The Colburn Academy, and the Elizabeth Mandell Music Institute at the Crossroads School
4. What has been your most memorable musical experience?
Sight reading Haydn quartets until 4 in the morning
5. Outside of music, tell us about one of your favorite things to do.
Yoga, and logic puzzles!!
Maxwell Karmazyn, first violin, 18
Crossroads | Hometown: Santa Monica, CA
1. How were you introduced to your instrument?
I was introduced to my instrument by my father. My grandfather was a violinist and when he escaped the Nazis during World War II, he moved to Los Angeles, California, and joined the LA Phil. He then had my father who became a cellist and is the Principal Cellist of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and plays in the studios. I am a third generation musician and am honored to follow the footsteps of both my father and grandfather.
2. What made you want to join AYS?
I had heard a lot about AYS from my colleagues in the Crossroads Chamber Orchestra, which Maestro Treger conducts. When Mr. Treger asked me to audition three years ago, I was honored and jumped at the opportunity. I have been in it ever since.
3. Aside from AYS, what other music programs or groups are you involved with?
I have participated in two seasons of the Young Musicians Foundation Chamber Music Series as well as several music festivals around the country.
4. What has been your most memorable musical experience?
My first performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 with AYS is my most memorable musical experience. I feel a connection to the piece and to play it with all of my friends and colleagues is an experience that I will never forget.
5. Outside of music, tell us about one of your favorite things to do.
I study the Martial Art style of Kung Fu.
Nathan Kirchhoff, second bassoon, 15
LA County High School for the Arts | Hometown: San Gabriel, CA
1. How were you introduced to your instrument?
I discovered the bassoon in sixth grade. At the beginning of the year, my band director introduced all of the instruments to his students but only briefly explained the bassoon and oboe. I chose the bassoon out of curiosity to learn more about it.
2. What made you want to join AYS?
I wanted to join for the playing experience as I have heard that this orchestra is very prestigious. I wanted to join also because I am interested in building my name and getting to know more musicians who are at a higher level than the typical teenage students I attend school with.
3. What has been your most memorable musical experience?
Well, there are many experiences I remember. So I’ll pick the most recent one: getting into AYS! When I found out that I had been accepted into this orchestra, being only 15 years old, I could not believe that I had beaten the many other college bassoonists who had also auditioned. Sometimes I still think I got into this orchestra out of pure luck.
4. Outside of music, tell us about one of your favorite things to do.
I am a very avid freshwater aquarist. I have been keeping goldfish, bettas, tetras, angelfish, and “what-not” since I was four and I hope I never give up.
Michelle Lavner, first violin, 16
Crossroads | Hometown: La Canada, CA
1. How were you introduced to your instrument?
Both my parents are musicians, so I grew up listening to a lot of classical music, but also Rock and Jazz. I began piano when I was 6 and a few years later I started the violin. For the last two years, I have been focusing on violin and my studies with Alexander Treger.
2. What made you want to join AYS?
AYS is known everywhere! I knew that it would be a great opportunity for me to better my violin playing. I love the repertoire we play.
3. Aside from AYS, what other music programs or groups are you involved with?
I am an EMMI major at Crossroads so I am a part of the Orchestra and Chamber Music program. Also, over the summer I was a counselor for underprivileged children in a two-week immersion in the performing arts that provided enrichment opportunities to a diverse population of young children at the Colburn School of Performing Arts.
4. What has been your most memorable musical experience?
My most memorable has been when I played with Brentwood Symphony in May 2011. Also, being a part of AYS every concert has been extremely memorable.
5. Outside of music, tell us about one of your favorite things to do.
I love reading and writing, but I am also interested in Broadcast Journalism so I enjoy doing radio work and hope to get an internship soon.
Jonah Levy, principal trumpet, 26
Colburn Conservatory
1. How were you introduced to your instrument?
I started playing trumpet in the 4th grade back in Oakland, CA where I grew up. I had recently become obsessed with the film “Jurassic Park” and loved how all of the epic moments in the film were highlighted by trumpets - thanks to John Williams’ genius score. Of course, as a 9-year-old beginner, I had no idea how I’d ever reach those high notes I was hearing on the CD – making a sound like that seemed practically impossible! – but it was a good model to have in my head at a young age, and, in time, it all comes together.
2. What made you want to join AYS?
I’m very excited to be joining the American Youth Symphony, one of the premiere training orchestras in the world! I heard the group in concert a couple of times over the past two years, and was very impressed with the excitement and sound the orchestra plays with. The energy is certainly palpable from the audience, and after my first few rehearsals with the group, I can tell you we’re all definitely “feeling it” back there in the brass section. Very exciting.
3. Aside from AYS, what other music programs or groups are you involved with?
I just finished a 2-year contract as principal trumpet of the Young Musicians Foundation Debut Orchestra, a post that I thoroughly enjoyed and another great young orchestra that lovers of the arts in Los Angeles would be keen to check out. I’m really excited to be joining one of the great up-and-coming contemporary music ensembles in the country, WildUp, this season. I enjoy teaching and the bond it brings between teacher and student, and have several private students as well as a trumpet class at Lennox Middle School through the YMF Young Mentor Artists program. I also do quite a bit of freelance work playing with various ensembles and orchestras throughout the LA area, and have been an active soloist the past year performing Mauricio Kagel’s Morceau du Concours at the “LA Trumpet Hang” event, and Luciano Berio’s Sequenza X at several LA venues for the “Voix du Trompette” concert series as well as at the Center for Advanced Musical Studies at Chosen Vale in Enfield, New Hampshire over the summer.
4. What has been your most memorable musical experience?
I’ve been lucky enough to have had quite a great variety of incredible musical experiences, from playing Tchaikovsky’s Fifth symphony for the first time (when I was 16) with the Young People’s Symphony Orchestra of Berkeley, CA, to being conducted by Freddie Fennel months before he passed away as part of the Eastman Wind Ensemble, to doing shows alongside lifelong hero of mine and one of my favorite bands, Frank London’s Klezmer Brass All-Stars, when I was living in Manhattan, to travelling the world playing in the showband on three Norwegian Cruise Line ships, and now to all of the amazing friends in music I have made since coming to LA and studying at CalArts and now the Colburn Conservatory…. but I’d have to say my most memorable musical experiences have come through music that I have had a part in creating, music I’ve composed, collaborated on or edited. It’s those moments of wondrous discovery that you keep having dreams about.
Christine Massey, oboe, 25
University of Texas graduate | Hometown: Houston, Texas
1. How were you introduced to your instrument?
Hearing Peter and the Wolf in elementary school
2. What made you want to join AYS?
The opportunity to play with good players
3. Aside from AYS, what other music programs or groups are you involved with?
I’m an adjunct faculty member at Mt. San Antonio College and Fullerton College, and I sub with the San Diego Symphony.
4. What has been your most memorable musical experience?
Playing Sibelius 2 in high school with the youth symphony, because that was the concert I realized I wanted to do music
5. Outside of music, tell us about one of your favorite things to do.
Horseback riding – I’ve been riding since I was 8 years old, and I’ve continued competing and teaching beginners as a hobby
Garrett McQueen, principal bassoon, 24
USC | Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee
1. How were you introduced to your instrument?
In middle school I wanted to play the flute, and after being told that it was a “girl instrument” I was handed a bassoon.
2. What made you want to join AYS?
When I moved to Los Angeles I played a few excerpts for a local bassoonist, and she suggested that I take the AYS audition that was coming up. I did, and won a spot.
3. Aside from AYS, what other music programs or groups are you involved with?
I’m Associate Principal Bassoonist of the Memphis Repertory Orchestra, and have played with the South Arkansas Symphony, Memphis Symphony Orchestra, and the Eroica Ensemble, just to name a few.
4. What has been your most memorable musical experience?
Playing “Firebird” with AYS last year (and recieving a curtain call from the conductor) was definitely one of my most memorable musical experiences.
5. Outside of music, tell us about one of your favorite things to do.
When I’m not playing the bassoon, my favorite thing to do in the whole world is to sit on my porch (back in Memphis) with a glass of sweet tea and watch the wind blow through the trees.
JG Miller, third horn, 27
USC | Hometown: Flagstaff, Arizona
1. How were you introduced to your instrument?
I was introduced to my instrument by listening to recordings of the LSO and hearing film scores of the 70′s and 80′s. My parents also loved watching Westerns, too - so I was constantly exposed to great horn playing from a young age. I picked the horn at my 3rd grade band orientation because no one else wanted to play it.
2. What made you want to join AYS?
Allen Fogle and Dylan Hart were huge influences in my decision to join AYS. Allen and I have known each other since middle school, even though he lived in Georgia and I lived in Pennsylvania. He later came to Eastman after I had been there a few years, and after I completed my Masters, Allen encouraged me to move to LA. Dylan, former AYS principal horn, has been a great friend and colleague and was a pleasure to work with in my first years in LA and encouraged me to take the audition my first year for sub list.
3. Aside from AYS, what other music programs or groups are you involved with?
The Los Angeles Horn Quartet, which is comprised of all AYS veterans: Allen Fogle, Dylan Hart, and Annie Bosler. We perform around town and also have been finalists in the Coleman Chamber Music Competition. I also perform with the USC Orchestra, the Scholarship Brass Quintet, the Contemporary Music Ensemble, and freelance around town with various ensembles.
4. What has been your most memorable musical experience?
Performing the Britten Requiem a matter of hours after having heard a great friend and fellow horn player Gretchen Snedeker had died in a car accident.
5. Outside of music, tell us about one of your favorite things to do.
In high school, I was a member of a semi-professional (sponsored) paintball team based out of Reading, PA. As an undergraduate, I started the Eastman School of Music Paintball Association as a club to offer a unique non-musical recreational activity. Our largest event was held immediately after jury week – one of the most stressful times for students – and usually had almost two dozen musicians enjoying an afternoon of releasing stress. While I have less time to do so, I still enjoy a hearty game of paintball.
Alexzandra Morris, second violin alternate/sub, 16
Crossroads | Hometown: Pacific Palisades
1. How were you introduced to your instrument?
In elementary school, we had an option of playing many instruments. I decided to play the flute and my sister decided to play the violin. When I received my flute, it was way too big for me so I decided to play the violin like my sister.
2. What made you want to join AYS?
I was motivated to join AYS because it is such an incredible orchestra and I believed it would be an amazing experience to join.
3. Aside from AYS, what other music programs or groups are you involved with?
I go the Crossroads school, so I play in the Crossroads Chamber Orchestra, which Alexander Treger conducts. I also take part in the Crossroads Chamber Music Program, which is led by Neal Stulburg for UCLA.
4. What has been your most memorable musical experience?
My most memorable musical experience happened last year when I was a substitute for AYS. Even though I was a substitute in the back of the second violins, I was absolutely in aw when I accompanied Nigel and Indira in Brahms Double Concerto.
5. Outside of music, tell us about one of your favorite things to do.
Besides music, I enjoy writing, inventing products, and writing code for computers. I especially enjoy writing because similar to music, it lets me easily express my emotions. I love writing poetry and short stories. I also enjoy reading.
Simone Porter, first violin, 15
Colburn Academy | Hometown: Seattle, Washington
1. How were you introduced to your instrument?
When I was 2 years old, my parents owned one classical music CD, something along the lines of “Puccini for Saturdays.” I consistently chose that CD over all the others, and even quoted Puccini’s Tosca when I strode into the kitchen one morning, held out my sippy cup, and sang, “Mamio, mamio, I want more milk!!” After this, my parents recognized my interest, and began to expose me more and more to live classical music. I began to ask to play the violin at 2 and a half, and finally, at the age of 3 and a half, I began!
2. What made you want to join AYS?
The professional level of the musicians, and the adventuresome programming of the music director are what most attracted me to AYS.
3. Aside from AYS, what other music programs or groups are you involved with?
I attend the Colburn Academy, and participate in chamber music ensembles, as well as academic classes.
4. What has been your most memorable musical experience?
To be honest, every single musical experience has had an impact on my growth as a musician and a human being! My favorites have included performing for underprivileged children with the New West Symphony Orchestra; opening up a symposium on compassion for the Dalai Lama, and performing at the Barbican with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
5. Outside of music, tell us about one of your favorite things to do.
Outside of music, one of my favorite things to do is broaden my intellectual horizons. Lately, Asian horror films and the New Yorker have served this purpose.
Camille Ripple, viola, 20
Pasadena City College | Hometown: Pasadena, CA
1. How were you introduced to your instrument?
I began piano lessons at age four, and at eight, I was allowed to choose another instrument. The viola was my pick–everyone my age played violin, and they sounded awful, squeaking away on their E strings! I wanted to be “different”, and the mystery of the viola appealed to me. My older sister had already chosen the cello as her new instrument (her reason: you always get a chair).
2. What made you want to join AYS?
I knew vaguely about AYS as a kid growing up in Santa Barbara. After a circuitous academic journey finally leading to serious music studies, I found myself in Los Angeles needing a challenging orchestra to play in. AYS’s repertoire is always varied and exciting, and Royce Hall is a great venue. This is a great learning experience for me as I apply to transfer to a music school next year.
3. Aside from AYS, what other music programs or groups are you involved with?
I am a volunteer coach in the Pasadena City College chamber music class. Currently, I am conducting and coaching a small string ensemble, working on a baroque concerto and an arrangement of an excerpt from Swan Lake. Although not currently a member of the PCC orchestra, I help out their viola section during their concerts. I am a longtime yearly attendee of the Gold Coast Chamber Music Festival, which introduced me at a young age to the fun and possibilities of chamber music.
4. What has been your most memorable musical experience?
I very clearly remember the first time I was completely immersed in a piece of music while in an orchestra. Playing Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony was a turning point in my understanding of music and ensemble, and further developed my awe and appreciation for composition and orchestration.
5. Outside of music, tell us about one of your favorite things to do.
Another way of expressing my love for music is through ballet. While I don’t aspire to dance professionally (or anywhere near that level), ballet feels like such a free and joyous expression of musicality.
Stephen Tavani, principal second violin, 19
Colburn Conservatory | Hometown: Haymarket, Virginia
1. How were you introduced to your instrument?
My older brother played the violin. Originally I wanted to play the trumpet, but then when I got braces, I had to put it off, and eventually chose violin when I was 8 years old, because my brother played it.
2. What made you want to join AYS?
I heard it was a great experience, and I knew many fantastic musicians who were a part of it.
3. Aside from AYS, what other music programs or groups are you involved with?
Colburn Orchestra, Persinger Quartet.
4. What has been your most memorable musical experience?
One of them would be playing Mahler 5th Symphony in the Aspen Festival Orchestra. Another would be playing in the Colburn Orchestra for Bartok Concerto for Orchestra. Another would be playing Mahler 2’s Second Symphony with AYS last year. Another would be playing quartets with my quartet, the Persinger Quartet. There are too many to name.
5. Outside of music, tell us about one of your favorite things to do.
Playing ping-pong, soccer, frisbee, reading, and going surfing.
Anna Vosbigian, first violin, 16
Pacific Coast High School | Hometown: Mission Viejo, CA
1. How were you introduced to your instrument?
I played piano for a few months before I asked to play the violin.
2. What made you want to join AYS?
AYS has been my goal for several years, but I wasn’t able to audition since I was too young.
3. Aside from AYS, what other music programs or groups are you involved with?
I play in the Colburn Chamber Orchestra as well as a string quartet through Colburn.
4. What has been your most memorable musical experience?
This summer, I soloed with the orchestra at the Luzerne Music Center.
5. Outside of music, tell us about one of your favorite things to do.
I also enjoy making short films.
Alexandra Wallin, principal flute, 24
USC | Hometown: Los Angeles
1. How were you introduced to your instrument?
I was introduced to the flute by the music instructor at my elementary school, in which she demonstrated several different instruments during an assembly program. Prior to the introduction, I was set on playing violin until she demonstrated the squeaks that will come out of the instrument if you don’t practice, so I picked the flute thinking it didn’t squeak at all… what little did I know.
2. What made you want to join AYS?
I had heard great things about AYS for years and knew what a special opportunity it was to be trained in an orchestral setting. I knew that this was an audition I had to take.
3. Aside from AYS, what other music programs or groups are you involved with?
I recently graduated with my Master’s degree in Flute Performance from the Thornton School of Music and finished a summer at the Round Top Festival Institute, performing orchestral and chamber music. I am currently involved with two chamber groups: the L.A. Flute & Harp Duo which performs at events in the greater Los Angeles area, as well as Flutes of Troy, a flute quartet that performs musical educational assemblies to schools in Los Angeles that may not otherwise get such an opportunity to be introduced to classical music.
4. What has been your most memorable musical experience?
About a year and a half ago, our flute quartet performed an educational assembly at a school and was approached by one of the faculty at the end of our program. She handed us a piece of paper and on this paper were musical words mentioned in our assembly program, as well as drawings of flutes. We found out this note was from a mentally handicapped child who responds best when he feels engaged with the material presented. Knowing that we struck a chord (no pun intended) in this child’s life is something unparalleled and something I will always remember.
5. Outside of music, tell us about one of your favorite things to do.
One of my favorite activities is traveling. I like revisiting favorite destinations, such as the Grand Canyon, or visiting new places. Among the places I’d like to visit most include Niagara Falls and Italy.
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